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By
Diane Forrest
Don Quixote is an imaginary character in a novel with the
same title written by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605. It is the story of a man who sets out to
prove that chivalry is not dead. In one
of the more famous scenes in the book, Don Quixote is on his trusted horse, his
lance drawn to attack a windmill, perceiving it to be an imaginary enemy. Every time I think of windmills, I think of
Holland, Tulips, and Don Quixote.
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A Windmill is a machine which converts the energy of wind
into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades. Originally
windmills were developed for milling grain for food production. In the course
of history the windmill was adapted to many other industrial uses. An important
non-milling use is to pump groundwater up with windpumps, commonly known as
windwheels. Windmills are also commonly used for generating electricity.
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Today, around 700 windmills across the Netherlands will
turn their blades in honor of National Windmill Day. Most will also feature
special activities to celebrate the national event, such as music concerts and
an art exhibit.
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If you can't make it to those, you can always head to
your local dollar store, pick up some hand windmills and spend the day blowing
at them to watch them spin. You may not
be able to mill grain, pump water, or create electricity, but you can sure have
some fun. I have a small windmill in my
yard, pictured above, so I will be enjoying it turn, weather permitting.
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