Results: Weathervanes

Although literary references were made to weathervane-like devices in China from 139 BC, Greek astronomer Andronicus has been credited with inventing the weathervane in 48 BC to determine wind direction. This original "wind vane" was placed atop the Tower of the Winds in Athens, and shaped like Greek god Triton (son of Poseidon), featuring the head and torso of a man and tail of a fish. Had you realized weathervanes existed this long ago?

In the 9th Century weathervanes appeared in Scandinavia bearing animals or creatures from Norse fables. They were prominent on Viking ships and can still be seen on some churches in Sweden and Norway today. Have you seen weathervanes in Scandinavia?

Why is a rooster such a popular weathervane design? It was popularized because of a Papal Edict in 9th Century Rome that decreed churches should have cockerels on domes or steeples. This was to serve as a reminder of Jesus's prophecy that Peter would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed. Had you ever thought of Peter when viewing a rooster weathervane?

The word "vane" comes from the Old English word "fana", meaning flag. Many weathervanes had designs inspired by banners that flew from towers in Europe. In battle, knowing wind direction was essential to archers. Had you noticed the banners flying on towers during movies and TV shows?

Knowing the direction the wind is blowing from is useful for pilots, farmers, and meteorologists (who know that when wind is blowing from the north, we can expect colder weather). Are there a lot of weathervanes where you live?