Why Are There Roosters on Weathervanes on Barns?

Weathervane on top of a building.

Weathervanes are the instruments mounted on top of barns and other structures in order to determine the direction of the wind. Weathervanes are often decorative, taking the shape of a variety of animals, ships or mythological deities. One of the more popular shapes is the rooster.

History

The first weathervanes took the form of Triton, a Greek god of the sea. When the Roman Empire switched to Christianity, the traditional form changed to that of a rooster.

Significance

According to some Bible translations, Jesus said to the apostle Peter, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times" (Mark 14:72). The rooster came to signify the humility of Saint Peter.

Function

Modern weathervanes are made of copper, aluminum or a specialized resin and add a decorative touch to homes and other buildings. They still serve their original purpose on farms throughout the world providing knowledge of wind direction to plan for plantings, crop cultivation and harvest.

Other Shapes

Weathervanes may take a variety of shapes such as ships, pigs, eagles, ducks, whales and mythical gods and goddesses, including the original weathervane deity, Triton.

Famous Weathervanes

George Washington commissioned a weathervane in the shape of a dove signifying the end of the Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson erected one atop Monticello so he could determine the direction of the wind from inside his home.

References

• The Weather Factory: Technical Information About Weathervanes
• Weather Vanes Plus: Historical Information About Weathervanes
• The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version. The World Publishing Company, 1962.