Wind rose

The formation of salts in crystallization basins "cavedini" is influenced by the weather. Sunshine and dry wind allow seawater to evaporate faster and thus produce salt, while rain, clouds and moist wind prevent salt formation. Even the old saying of the salt workers “Per far sal ghe vol aqua, sol e bava". says that to produce salt, water, sun and wind are needed.

Today we can follow the weather on the web, on radio and television, but sometimes this was not possible. The salt workers were able to predict the weather themselves. They constantly looked at the sky, observing the shape and colour of clouds, determining the directions and characteristics of the wind, etc.

 

 

 

 

In predicting the weather, the salt workers used a "wind rose", which indicated different types of wind and its direction. They made a small hole in the centre of the wind rose and placed a tiny fruit of the plant "Erodium ciconium" called "paieta" in it. It was sensitive to humidity and turned according to the wind carrying more or less humidity. 

 

 

 

At the museum, we organize a workshop where you can make your own wind rose and test how the “paieta” works. Follow our posts or contact us, so you don't miss the next workshop.

 

 

Until then, you can paint the drawing of a wind rose! What colours would you choose?

 

We will be glad if you send us a picture of the painted wind rose to our e-mail muzej@pommuz-pi.si. We will include it in our online gallery!

 

Print out and color your wind rose!