You Need A Weathervane To Tell Which Way The Wind Blows

By: Mike O Brien

Weathervanes, or wind vanes, have been used for centuries. Since
the time of the ancient Greeks, the weather vane has served a
dual purpose. Since the advent of the weathervane, their use has
been both decorative and functional. The source of the wind may
not have been fully understood, but people of ancient cultures
certainly understood how important the wind is a predictor of
the weather.

It should come as no surprise that the simple weathervane became
as ornamental as it is practical. Historians believe the one of
the first weathervanes was part of the Tower of Winds in ancient
Greece. The tower was believed to have been constructed around
forty B.C. by the astronomer Andronicus.

The Romans constructed many of their weathervanes from images of
the gods. Prior to the advent of recorded scientific
observation, there was a great deal of superstition around the
weather. Through good weather or bad, the gods were often given
credit for the prevailing winds.

Seafarers in ancient times used a simple type of weathervane, in
the form of a small piece of cloth fastened to the rigging. This
makeshift wind vane came to be known as a telltale and is still
used today by sailors. The telltale was not the only use for a
simple piece of cloth to indicate the strength and relative
direction of the wind.

The weather vane has been discovered to be part of almost every
ancient culture. Aside from depictions of various gods, animal
themes common for wind vanes, even today. The use of animal
characters usually had a connection to religious beliefs.
Artisans have adopted the weathervane as a medium for their
craft adding to the decorative qualities of these simple weather
tools.

Balance is the key to a properly functioning weathervane, as the
weathervane must be able to turn in reaction to the slightest
breeze. The center of the weathervane must rest on a center axis
and be equally balanced on both sides. A basic design includes a
center post with the body of the weathervane resting over it.
The center post may come to a sharply tapered point. The body of
the weathervane would fit on the post in a way were the weight
would be concentrated directly on the point. If the body of the
weathervane is not allowed to move freely, its reaction to
changes in wind direction and speed will be too slow.

The shape of the weather vane can vary from a simple arrow, to
more ornate and decorative figures. Even a large weathervane can
be designed in way that optimizes its reaction to the wind. The
shape is probably more important than the size. The body of the
weathervane must designed in a way that is somewhat aerodynamic.
An airplane wing creates lift by generating a positive pressure
under the wing surface and a negative pressure on the top. Think
of a weathervane as a wing surface turned perpendicular to the
ground. The reaction to both positive and negative pressure
causes the weather vane to turn.

Farmers and ranchers used relied on the wind to operate water
pumps. Anyone who has traveled the American heartland may
remember seeing these simple windmills turning. A key to an
operating windmill is its ability to rotate with changes in wind
direction. These windmills have a tail stock that acts in the
same way a weathervane does, helping to point the blades of the
windmill in the optimal direction.

For most of us, the need for a windmill has little to do with
whether we have a weathervane. In these days of modern
meteorology, weather predictions are readily available, often in
great detail. These advancements in modern technology have
rendered the humble weather vane to a decorative addition to our
homes. Like many pieces of Americana, antique weathervanes have
become quite collectible. Many diverse themes have been used for
the wind vane from the artistic to the humorous. With a rich
history and functionality, the humble windmill can add a touch
of whimsy and lore to your home.

Article Source: http://collectibles-articles.com

Mike OBrien is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com. Shop for Weat her Vanes for your home. Please visit FineWebStores.com today.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated