By
Caroline R. Partin
Copper Weathervanes
Weathervanes are great instruments
in showing the movement of the wind. Weathervanes are typically
copper or iron devices which are attached on the highest point
of a structure. Once the wind moves, the weathervane actually
moves according to the direction of the wind. This actually aids
travelers and pilots who are planning to travel to another
location. One of the main reasons why homes have weathervanes is
that it has a decorative value. Yes, most farms and old style
homes apply the cockerel look to their weathervanes because of
its decorative value. There are other designs of copper
weathervanes including ships, horses, dogs and arrows. Most
weathervanes have a pointed design while others are basically
designed according to shape.
The History of Weathervanes
The original weathervane was based on a rooster, or cock,
design. Because of the original design of the weathervane it was
known before as a weathercock. The name of the weathervane came
from the word vane which means flag. The original weathervanes
can be traced back to the Roman times. The original Athenian
design, the weathervanes during that time was based Triton
holding a rod. It is said that Romans prayed to the statue in
order to have a nice weather.
It was then applied in several European countries and was placed
as an emblem to St Peter. The rooster of St Peter was said to be
the inspiration behind the cock design. In the 9th century,
weathervanes were said to be placed in almost all types of
churches and basilicas. As the years passed, several churches
applied several other designs to their weathervanes including
crosses and even saints. The addition of the cock has been said
to be based on the story of Jesus and his betrayal.
In the next couple of centuries, copper weathervanes were
created and they were designed with various images. The most
common one is the simple arrow which shows the direction of the
wind. Weathervanes were also installed in ships in order to see
the direction of the wind so that the sails will be in the right
direction. Modern weathervanes are designed with a device to
measure the speed of the wind including the axis of its
direction.
How a Weathervane works
The design and operation of the weathervane can be found on its
surface. The surface of this tool is actually divided according
to several parts and two of its layers are actually flattened.
The flattened layer allows the copper weathervanes to have its
own axis and so that the wind will be able to give direction.
The larger surface of the weathervane is the one which is blown
away and the smaller side is actually the pointer which will
show the direction of a passing wind. Most weathervanes have a
directional marker below the main arrow. The directional marker
shows the geographic directions of the wind whether it is
traveling towards the east or to the west. Obtaining an accurate
reading with a weathervane can actually be a challenge because
wind current is affected by other buildings, trees and several
other objects which might block its movement.
About
the Author: Learn more about Copper Weathervanes and Bluebird
House at http://www.birdhousesamerica.com/.
Source:
http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1791845&ca=Pets