An Introduction to Weather Vanes

A weather vane (or wind vane) is an instrument for measuring wind direction. It is a simple instrument, consisting of an arrow, or any figure, mounted on a rod. This rod moves in the direction of the wind when there is breeze. The front part of the vane is more or less pointed and the back end is wide, so that even the slightest breeze will move the vane. The arrow turns until the wind is equally distributed on either side of the weather vane, making the front part indicate the exact direction of the wind. Wind vanes are placed in open and high places to catch the wind.

Weather vanes are one of the oldest wind instruments used by man. The oldest wind vane has been traced to the Tower of Winds in Athens, Greece, and dates back to 48 BC. Over the centuries, weather vanes have been used as ornaments to display the icons of various cultures, religions and countries. At one point of time, these weather vanes were most likely used as flags, as the origin of the word