Compass rose is a design that serves as an instrument for geographic navigation, used for help locate a certain body or object in relation to another. It is formed by the cardinal points and their intermediaries.
The term “wind rose” was created due to the similarity of the rose to the design of the cardinal points present on the compasses, which resemble the petals of this flower.
Currently, the figure of the compass rose has a symbolic value that conveys the idea of "good luck wish" or the desire for reach new directions in life. Because of all its symbolism concerning the spirit of hope and change, the compass rose is commonly chosen as an option. tattoo, for example.
The compass rose was created in the 14th century to illustrate cartographic maps, based on the direction of the main winds felt in the Mediterranean Sea. During the Middle Ages, the main cardinal points were named after localities close to the Mediterranean: Tramontana (north), Ostro (south), Ponente (west), Levante (east), Greco (northeast), Siroco (southeast), Libeccio (southwest) and Maestro (northwest).
In all, in addition to the eight main winds, the most complete compass rose also featured the eight secondary winds and sixteen complementary winds, for a total of 32 split points.
Compass rose and the cardinal points
The compass rose is made up of the four main directions, known as cardinal points, and their intermediate points, the collateral points and the subcollateral points.
Cardinal points
- East or East (E)
- North (N)
- West (W or W)
- South (S)
side points
- Northeast (NE)
- Northwest (NO or NW)
- Southeast (SE)
- Southwest (SO or SW)
subcollateral points
- East-northeast (ENE)
- East-Southeast (ESE)
- Southeast (SSE)
- North-northeast (NNE)
- North-northwest (NNO or NNW)
- Southwest (SSO or SSW)
- West-Southwest (OSO or WSW)
- West-northwest (ONO or WNW)
Learn more about Cardinal points.
