Weathervanes Offer Something for Everyone

by: Michael O'Brien

If you are looking for something that will add a touch of whimsy and Americana to your home, think about adding a weathervane. Even though we do not need a weathervane to warn us of an impending storm, weathervanes can still tell us which way the wind blows. With a history dating back thousands of years, it is curious that certain shapes and themes have endured over the years.

Roosters, horses and prominent figures in our collective mythology have always been popular with makers and users alike. Some weathervanes created in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds have become very collectible. Even though some of these early examples of weathervanes can be worth many thousands of dollars, the weathervanes of today are very affordable.

More Than Just Three Dimensional Art

Weathervanes today are not much different from the wind vanes and weathervanes of years ago. Gently turning with the prevailing winds a weathervane can add a touch of beauty and nostalgia to any home. Weathervanes are a great example of motion art where even the silhouette image of a running horse can evoke thoughts of a hurricane pony carrying its rider across the prairie. Since the invention of the horseless carriage, we have had a love affair with the automobile. Cars and trucks have become popular subjects for weathervanes again evoking images of motion.

Far from just the imagery of motion, some weathervane designs actually incorporate moving parts that react with the breeze. One style that many people are familiar with is the duck or the goose, wings whirling around as if in flight. The image of the prairie windmill standing alone against the backdrop of mesas and barbed wire fencing is classically American. The silent beauty of the spinning blades playing with the shifting winds inspires a bygone era. As an example of motion art, windmill weathervanes are a very popular style.

Mythology, the Sea and the Zodiac

The worlds of astrology and mythology have long inspired artisans resulting in the creation of an entire class of weathervane. The gods of Olympus, signs of the zodiac and creatures and characters of popular mythology can grace your roof in the form of a decorative weathervane. Mermaids, dragons and unicorns can be seen dancing on the wind. Great sea creatures such as whales, dolphins and leaping sailfish adorn many a weathervane and can add the finishing touch to any nautical decor.

Sailors have always respected the magic and power of the wind. Weathervanes depicting sailing ships on the wind and a whole host of sea creatures are as popular now as they were hundreds of years ago. Sailors have always been a superstitious lot and many legendary tales have arisen from the lore of the sea. Stories of mermaids, sea monsters and other tales of the unexplained can be seen reflected in popular weathervane designs.

Sports Themes on the Wind

Sports fans can find a weathervane that reflects their favorite sport or athletic pastime. A baseball player at the plate, a pitcher in the stretch, ready to hurl a blistering fastball is a great example of motion art. The golfer in the middle of his backswing or the image of the fisherman casting his lure into the calm of a mountain lake can evoke images of calm and patience.

Whether you prefer the weather beaten look of iron, the rich patina that forms on aging copper, or the highly polished look of brass, weathervanes in all shapes and sizes can turn a plain rooftop into a gallery of motion art. When it comes to weathervanes, there is truly something for everyone.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is Staff Writer for Weathervane Sale.com