Most of us have seen beautiful crosses like attachments on the top of buildings and architectures. But do you know what these are and what their significance is? These structures are called weathervanes that have been used for years to show direction, but now it is just a showpiece. There are a wide variety of weathervane designs that are used atop a myriad of buildings to accentuate their beauty and appearance.

Below we have made a list of some of the most classic examples of weathervanes designs. You can have a look at it to get a clearer picture –

Moving Swiftly

Weathervanes were introduced in the 1600s but came into popularity during the 1800s. This was when some national manufacturers provided the supply of copper symbols. One of the widely used weathervane designs was the racing horse, which was especially mostly regarded for stables and barns. It was a representation of eliteness.

Steer Clear

Many weathervanes were also molded in symbols that represented agriculture, such as a bull. During the time of installation, a compass is used for determining the weathervane’s cardinal points.

Scribe on High

Weathervanes with the design of a quill are typically a representation of a writer’s or statesman’s residence. In such cases, the weathervane spires are usually carved out of wrought iron.

Flying Fish

Copper weathervanes were also developed with a fish design for a beautiful patina. It was a true representation of age and authenticity—also, the tall spires above the weathervane work as a lightning rod.

Whale’s Tail

This is one of the most popular choices among the people of the 18th century. The whale weathervanes were used to represent the homes of seafarers in the coastal area.

Miss Fortune

Sailors used to consider the mermaid as bad luck as the legends say that the mermaid lures them with songs to their death. However, still, the mermaid weathervanes were widely used across the world because of their grace and a touch of a silhouette against the blue sky.

Welcome Home

Weathervanes with pineapple designs were used as a symbol to welcome guests during the colonial era. It was also widely popular among the inns and was a representation of distinguishing them.

Flying Goose

Magnificently set against the endless sky, flying Goose weathervanes appear to be lifelike with the beautiful movement of their wings and craned neck. This appears to be extremely elegant, and one can imagine what a real goose would look like.

Sailing Away

The design of sailing weathervanes is a representation of independence. Since a sailboat is also dependable on the wind as its sources of power to go ahead, the sailing away weathervanes were widely popular among sailors.

The Bottom Line

Of course, in today’s world, we no longer need weathervanes to check the direction of the wind or its speed. We have technologies to do that. However, still, these beautiful architectures are adorned because of their classy and elegant appearance. With a wide variety of designs, weathervanes have still managed to make a place for themselves in modern constructions.