Definition and meaning of Finial:
Finial (pronounced fin-ee-ul) can be defined as an architectural contrivance that is usually carved in stone and used for decorative purposes primarily to emphasize the apex of a gable or any other distinctive ornaments either at the top or the end or any corner of any building or structure. The American College Dictionary defines it as an “an ornamental termination of a pinnacle, gable, etc., Usually foliated/ and a vertical termination; a cast, carved, or turned ornament capping another form.”

Those finials that are generally smaller in size are used as decorative items at the end of the curtain rods or even at the handles of the chairs, sofas and other furniture. Besides these finials are also commonly used on the top of bed posts and clocks.

Though finials, for the most part, are used for décor purposes, it also has the function of acting as a ‘lightning rod’. In the olden days it was believed that these can prevent the ‘old and wicked witch on the broomstick’ to land on one’s roof top. It is said that when the witch spotted the finial, she was forced to steer off her elsewhere to make a landing.

Finial is also a term that is used for the straw animal models at the edges of the thatch roof cottages and huts; the craftsman who made these straw representations was called Finial makers.

What do you mean by Flag-poles?
These are the typical shaped ‘ball style’ finial that is put on top of a stationary flag pole. It is often referred to as a ‘truck’ which actually refers to the method of connecting the finial to the pole. According to the tradition, the ball contains a razor, lighter, and flares – all these were necessary to destroy and demolish the flag if the post was occupied by the enemy troops. Another version of the tradition says that not a razor or lighter or fire, the balls contain ammunition like bullets, knives and matches so that in case of an attack, even the last of the surviving soldiers can fight the enemy with the knife, burn the flag with the help of the matches and kill himself, if required, with the bullet.

Importance of finials
Besides using for decoration purposes, finials can also be very useful for weather proofing of any structure. It can be used to shield and guard the top or peak of towers or turrets or cupolas or gazebos from the wrath and fury of nature. Finials were extensively used in the architectural structures and buildings of the Medieval Ages, Tudor period, the age of Gothic Revival, Italianate, and the various Victorian styles, Richardsonian Romanesque, Chateauesque and Second Empire.

Lamp shade finials
This delightful adornment has become so immensely popular that in the present day the finial style is also used in room décor stuff like lamp shades. These wonderful and stylish shades add the perfect finishing touch for any home. A search on the web and you can detect quite a few online stores that specialize in such items. Trust me, choose the right kind of lamp shade finials and get the chic, contemporary yet homely look that you have always craved for.