Using smoke as a signal to conduct a long-distance visual communication was developed by both Native Americans and personnel manning signal towers along China's Great Wall.
By its density, size, shape and color, the smoke signals tend to convey only simple messages, such as, Indians using light and heavy smoke to make a good call - wedding, and the other a bad call - war. Smoke can also be used to obscure enemy communication or to send deceptive signals. And it is still used today in fire and rescue work as well as some military mission.
http://books.google.com/books?id=RBC2nY1rp5MC&pg=PA415&lpg=PA415&dq=smoke+signal+in+war+communication&source=bl&ots=9B8fBXW7S5&sig=3KB3kmbYxX882uXVnvifhvXCF00&hl=en&ei=mgplTcK9Fsys8Abt4Jm3Bg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=smoke%20signal%20in%20war%20communication&f=false
Jessica, this is an interesting post! I have always known smoke was used to signal for help. If I was lost on an island, I would attempt to create a fire and signal an airplane for help. (I learned this from .Jack in Lord of the Flies, using Piggy's glasses to gain the attention of a ship's captain.)
ReplyDeleteI never knew that different colors and size of smoke held different meanings. Native Americans are so unique and really make the most of their use of the land. I should not be surprised by how many different meaning the smoke of a fire meant . Weddings = good. War= bad. Two totally different meanings!!
The smoke signal can be used for help othere then just seeing the smoke. You can smells it, taste it and of course see it. Smoke Signals have saved many people.
ReplyDeleteVery good post Jessica. I knew that Indians used smoke to send message but I did not know that they used different colors and shapes. It’s interesting that we still use smoke signals today.
ReplyDelete