The History of Weathervanes

Weathervane History

Weathervanes have played a role in the lives of humanity for centuries. The first recorded account dates back to 48 B.C. in Athens. It was a bronze sculpture with the head of a man and the tail of a fish built by the astronomer Andronicus on the Tower of the Winds in honor of the Greek God Triton. Depending on the direction of the weathervane, Triton chose which God would choose the weather for that day. To these ancients the winds had divine powers, so the weathervanes depicted the Gods Boreas, Aeolus, and Mercury.

Viking weathervanes have also been discovered dating back to the 9^th century. Most were designed according to Norse tales and were used on Viking Ships. Even today the weathervanes can be seen in Norway and Sweden.

Today we have sophisticated tools to predict the weather but for thousands of years man depended on the weathervane as an essential tool. Farmers used weathervanes to predict the climate and sailors used them as a vital tool for navigation. Even the wealthy landowners adorned the highest peak of their homes with weathervanes.

In the 9^th century A.D. the pope mandated that every church in "Christendom" be adorned by a rooster to remind the flock of Peter's betrayal of Christ. Originally they were not designed to be weathervanes but eventually were combined with weathervanes in order to serve the community. Some think this is why the rooster has become such a traditional standard.

In Medieval European lords and noblemen flew banners and flags from castle towers. The flags were eventually replaced with small metal spinner and helped archers to predict the direction of the wind.

The word weathervane is derived from the Old English noun fane which means flag or banner. They were also referred to as wind vanes. Eventually the name evolved into weathervane. In order to function, weathervanes must be balanced on their axis. They also need an unequal area on each side for the wind to blow against. The ideal location for a working weathervane is the highest point of the building. Any surface area that protects a side of the weathervane will reduce the force and affect the indicators.

Deacon Shem Downe was the first recorded weathervane maker in America. He created the grasshopper weathervane on top of Boston's Fanecuil Hall in 1742. He also created the banner for Boston's Old North Church in 1740. Thomas Jefferson read the wind direction from inside his home at Monticello by placing a rooster weathervane on the roof and attaching it to a pointer which hung down into the ceiling of the room directly below. Now that's just genius ! George Washington commissioned the "Dove of Peace" to commemorate the end of the revolutionary war. It was created by Joseph Rakestraw in 1787.

By the early 1800's patriotic designs were becoming popular in America. It was common to see The Goddess of Liberty and The Federal Eagle. From that time forward weathervanes have been an integral part of American history. They can be found on churches, homes, barns, government buildings and businesses. Americans have a place in their hearts for the race horse, farm animals, patriotic symbols and wild life. Artisans have crafted beautiful weathervanes using themes that capture the spirit of America from the time of the Revolutionary War until today.

In our modern world we can choose from the traditional styles to more contemporary designs. Most weathervanes are made from copper and are available in a variety of patinas. The most common finishes are polished copper and verdigris. Today's weathervanes range from small desk top sculptures to the very large that are appropriate for businesses, churches and barns. The weathervane is just as much a part of lives in these days of high-tech as it has been throughout history.

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Weathervanes have evolved from practical devices into prized works of decorative art - a status that is exemplified by all Good Directions Weathervanes. Our product line combines high-quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and exquisite design. ~ Good Directions