Windsock History

The windsock design or use is not notably recorded prior to the late 1800's. We believe the sock was adapted from the "Wind-Sail" a wide tube or funnel of canvas used to convey a stream of air into
the lower apartments of a ship (Noah Webster Dictionary 1828).The windsock's final fundamentaluse and design was later developed for use with small aircraft.

Another piece of interesting trivia about the windsock.....Centuries ago, windsocks were invented by the Japanese.They flew them on "Boys Day" to celebrate a family's male offspring. One windsock per son - flowing in the wind from the top of a bamboo pole.

And more trivia...Evidence shows that, back as far as 105 A.D.,the Romans used a windsock as a military banner. Windsocks,as we know them, have their origins in China and Japan where they were made of paper and, for those families with the means, of silk. Often the windsock resembled a fish.

Windsocks have been used throughout history and for many reasons. Evidence shows that, back as far as 105 A.D., the Romans used a windsock as a military banner. Windsocks have been used by farmers, at airports, and by weather watchers. Its large cone-shape can indicate wind direction and the relative wind speed. (Watch a windsock and you can tell which direction the wind is blowing. Example: If the windsock is pointing due west, the wind is an easterly breeze - the opposite of the direction the windsock is pointing.) If there isn't much wind,the windsock will hang deflated. If it is windy, the windsock will be full and standing out.

Windsocks, as we know them, have their origins in China and Japan where they were made of paper and, for those families with the means, of silk. Often the windsock resembled a fish. See our front page for a description of the Lucky Koi windsock.

Many of our other designs have historical backgrounds also. The Law of the Splintered Paddle is represented on our Hawaiian Banner - although it is not a windsock, it is as useful and decorative and as attention-getting as our windsock patterns.