“Weathervane”
comes from the Old English word “fane” which means banner
or flag. Unlike today where you can turn on the local news and the
weatherman will tell you the forecast; back then, people relied on
weathervanes to predict the weather. Winds blowing from certain directions
would indicate rain or a change in the weather. This was extremely
important because the weather affected planting, growing and harvesting
crops. Today with advanced technology we don't have to rely on a sock
blowing in the wind to determine the weather. Now we use weathervanes
for decoration.
They’re a cute addition to the top of a house or gazebo. They
add just that little something extra. They come in all different sizes
and designs from farm animals to ships and boats. Typically they are
made of copper or brass which looks stunning as the sun strikes it.
Weathervanes are charming and calming as they blow in the wind. And
for those a little more old fashioned they can still use them as their
own personal weather indicator.