The History of a Whirligig

From humble paper pinwheels on sticks to intricate kincetic wind Sculptures, the history of the amusing whirligig dates back to wind-propelled toys that may have mimicked the world's first windmills.

A crucial part of whirligigs is the weathervane, which was invented in Sumeria between 1600 and 1800 B.C., the Iranians first used the horizontal windmill for irrigation.  The first known whirligig toy was a twirling propeller made of bamboo, which originated in China in 400 B.C., In Europe, in the 1200's children were jousting with whirligigs on sticks. And by 1600's pinwheels (or whirligigs) were for sale throughout Europe and its colonies.

Contraptions harnessing the elements of nature fascinated people during the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries.  The collection of American Folk Art Museum reveals that whirligigs made in rural America reached high levels of technical precision.  Created of metal and wood by craftsmen or farmers themselves, whirligigs feature charming, everday scenes of birds' wings twirling in oncoming wind, women stirring pots or sailors rowing boats.

The Whirligigs today have a delightful action that's set in motion when the wind blows their propellers.  Whirligigs bring abstract beauty to any corner of your yard.  With bright colors and fun themes, a whirligig is a cheerful - accent to your garden.  Whirligig have become  popular items to collect and make wonderful unique gifts.http://www.whirlywindyspinners.com/catalog/item/8479864/9330587.htm