Weathervanes

	Today, many weathervanes are ornamental. But in early days they helped predict the weather. Anyone who works outside, particularly farmers, should know which way the wind blows. Wind helps crops pollinate and knowing which way it blows can help determine where and even when to plant. Learn the history of the weathervane and how to use one. History of Weathervanes One of the first recorded mentions of weathervanes was thought to be that of the Greek astronomer Andronicus. He mentions in writings of a large statue that changed with wind direction and forecasted which god controlled the wind that day. There is also archeological evidence that many Greek houses had weathervanes. Vikings were explorers and did this mostly by sea. They were great seafarers exploring many lands. They needed to know how the wind blew to sail efficiently and go where they wanted go. Archeologists have discovered Viking Norse ships with what they figured out were weathervanes.

Clothes Line Wind Directional

Fun yard accent
Painted metal
63 x 21 inches

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History of Weathervanes

Many earlier weathervanes depicted roosters. Although not entirely sure, many experts think this is due to a religious influence of Christianity. Jesus told Peter, one of his disciples, that the roosters would not crow the morning after the last supper. In the ninth century, the Pope supposedly decreed that all the churches should have roosters on their steeples. It's likely that people would incorporate both projects into one.

As time went on, weathervanes became more decorative. With each age, the weathervane was less of a useful instrument and more of a ornament. With the invention of the barometer, the weathervane, while still useful to many, became a mere ornamental version of its former glory.

Using a Weathervane

A weathervane is a simple tool. It's designed to allow it to flow freely on a hinge like joint that connects the top part to the bottom part called the rod. A weathervane is also called a wind vane because that's all it does. It tells which direction the wind blows. It's a common mistake to think the arrow points the way the wind blows to. If the arrow points west, the wind is blowing from the west.

While traditionally a weathervane is attached to a roof or barn, you can find weathervanes that go just about anywhere including your garden and front yard. Most kits come with all that's needed to put up the weathervane. The weathervane is usually attached to the house, roof or other fixture using a bracket.

Place the weathervane where you'll get the most use out of it. It might be a good idea to get several different weathervanes to place at various points in your yard and on the house. Make sure the spot you place the weathervane is open and can get a good steady wind to make it work. Test the weathervane before you install it to make sure it works properly.

Winds from the south are generally warmer and can bring in more moisture. Winds from the north are colder and can suggest a cold front is moving into the area. Keep a weather journal to record the wind directions for several weeks and monitor weather conditions with each reading. After some time, you'll see a pattern to help you predict the weather.

Where to Buy a Weathervane
Many home improvement stores and home and garden stores have a variety of weathervanes from which to choose. You can search on the Internet for home and garden retailers to see what types of weathervanes are available. Most weathervanes are inexpensive. But the price varies depending on what material makes up the weathervane.

Weathervanes began as one of the first and only predictors of the coming weather. They helped early farmers and pioneers in their daily lives. Today weathervanes still have use in weather prediction. But they've also increased in sentimental and ornamental value.