Choose your new weathervane with inspiration from New Year’s traditions from around the world.
New Year’s is right around the corner, with people around the world gearing up for celebrations.
We are familiar with our own American New Year’s traditions (watching the ball drop, popping champagne, kissing at midnight), but other countries around the world have varied and wonderful New Year’s traditions that may surprise you.
We are familiar with our own American New Year’s traditions (watching the ball drop, popping champagne, kissing at midnight), but other countries around the world have varied and wonderful New Year’s traditions that may surprise you.
Spain
The Spanish eat 12 grapes just before midnight on New Year’s Eve: one for each month in the coming New Year. This is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. Add a symbol of prosperity to your home with our beautiful wine bottle weathervane, featuring a cluster of grapes and wine glasses atop each directional.
The Spanish eat 12 grapes just before midnight on New Year’s Eve: one for each month in the coming New Year. This is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. Add a symbol of prosperity to your home with our beautiful wine bottle weathervane, featuring a cluster of grapes and wine glasses atop each directional.
The Netherlands
On New Year's Eve, the Dutch bring their (undecorated) Christmas trees out into the streets and use them to light bonfires. These fires are thought to purge the old and greet the new. Our beautiful, patina pine tree weathervane evokes thoughts of wooded hills and winter all year long. Perfect for a cabin or mountain retreat!
On New Year's Eve, the Dutch bring their (undecorated) Christmas trees out into the streets and use them to light bonfires. These fires are thought to purge the old and greet the new. Our beautiful, patina pine tree weathervane evokes thoughts of wooded hills and winter all year long. Perfect for a cabin or mountain retreat!
Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro they celebrate “Festa de Iemanjá” as part of their New Year celebrations. This is celebrated predominantly and faithfully by the local fishermen. Lemanjá is the Brazilian Goddess of the Sea and the Mother of Waters. They pay tribute to her and seek her blessings by sending small boats onto the sea bearing gifts such as flowers, perfume, combs, jewelry, rice, cosmetics, or colorful candles. Bring good luck to your coastal home with our elegant mermaid weathervane.
In Rio de Janeiro they celebrate “Festa de Iemanjá” as part of their New Year celebrations. This is celebrated predominantly and faithfully by the local fishermen. Lemanjá is the Brazilian Goddess of the Sea and the Mother of Waters. They pay tribute to her and seek her blessings by sending small boats onto the sea bearing gifts such as flowers, perfume, combs, jewelry, rice, cosmetics, or colorful candles. Bring good luck to your coastal home with our elegant mermaid weathervane.
Romania
The Bear Dance is a popular Romanian custom used to ring in the New Year. People wear bear masks - the iconic animal of Romanian forests - to participate. This dance is believed to scare away everything that is evil. Our copper bear weathervanes will stand guard over your home year round.
The Bear Dance is a popular Romanian custom used to ring in the New Year. People wear bear masks - the iconic animal of Romanian forests - to participate. This dance is believed to scare away everything that is evil. Our copper bear weathervanes will stand guard over your home year round.
Belgium
Belgium used to be a primarily agrarian culture, making cattle people’s most prized possessions: healthy flocks meant better farming and a more prosperous New Year. This led to the “Whispering to the Cattle” tradition. Citizens whisper good wishes to their cattle to usher in the New Year, believing their prosperity stemmed from the wellbeing and happiness of their cattle. Our dairy cow weathervane (available in polished or patina finish) is perfect for cattle farmers.
Belgium used to be a primarily agrarian culture, making cattle people’s most prized possessions: healthy flocks meant better farming and a more prosperous New Year. This led to the “Whispering to the Cattle” tradition. Citizens whisper good wishes to their cattle to usher in the New Year, believing their prosperity stemmed from the wellbeing and happiness of their cattle. Our dairy cow weathervane (available in polished or patina finish) is perfect for cattle farmers.
Ireland
Weathervanes are very important in Irish New Year’s celebrations: at midnight, people check the direction the wind is blowing to determine their luck for the coming year. A west wind predicts good fortune for the New Year, while an easterly wind means to expect British intervention in the coming year. Other places believe a Southerly wind means fine weather and prosperity, while a North wind predicts a year of bad weather. We have several traditional weathervanes to help you monitor the changing wind throughout the year.
Weathervanes are very important in Irish New Year’s celebrations: at midnight, people check the direction the wind is blowing to determine their luck for the coming year. A west wind predicts good fortune for the New Year, while an easterly wind means to expect British intervention in the coming year. Other places believe a Southerly wind means fine weather and prosperity, while a North wind predicts a year of bad weather. We have several traditional weathervanes to help you monitor the changing wind throughout the year.
Dozens of Weathervanes to Choose from at Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes
What better way to add personality to your home than with one of our beautiful weathervanes? Add them to one of our elegant cupolas or use one of our weathervane mounts to place them on a roof, wall, or in a garden. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to learn more about our exquisite weathervanes!
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