Wiese Windmill: Sprinting around the track

Windmills

Most people know that the windmills have to some extent, built the country of the Netherlands. In fact, an old Dutch adage says “God created the earth, but the Dutch created Holland.”

Without the mills much of the land drainage could not have taken place. Mills were also used for grain milling, saw milling and in fact for a number of industrial purposes.

During World War II certain resting positions and ribbons on the sails etc.were used to signal secret messages to confidants and members of the resistance to warn people in hiding of raids.

The reason why I chose the Windmill to be the name for our blog is because traditionally the mills have been a means of communication. The mills speak a language which can be read from the position of the sails.

Basically, there are four positions: celebration, mourning, short resting, longer resting. In each position the sails are slightly tilted one way or another so people will know what is happening in the miller’s life

1. Celebration – birth or wedding position top sail at 1 on the clock

2. Mourning – death or funeral position top sail at 11 on the clock

3. Short rest or ready for work position sails in plus or cross ( + )

4. Longer rest – perhaps a vacation, illness position sails in ( X )

The sails of the windmills are often decorated with garlands or flowers for the occasion. Some millers mount a star on the mill at Christmas time.

Click here for a complete windmill database.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sprinting around the track

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