What is a Vara?

[Ricklt]

I've been reading several posts in this forum that mention a measurement of distance called vara. How does this unit of measure translate into feet or yards or whatever?
Ricklt

 

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[mrs.oroblanco]

Its an old unit of measure. It actually is "an about" measure.

Basically, it it a yard, but, it has been used to measure 33-1/3 inches, 30 inches and 32 inches. Not too exact. If you know who wrote the "vara" measurement, it helps.

B

 

[Native1858]

You may run into this term also, "League."

 

[gollum]

Hey Rickit,

Mrs. O is correct, but 33 1/3 inches is the modern vara. If you do a lot of reading, you will find that there are a few different Vara measurements.

Originally, a Vara was the average length of the stride of a Spanish Soldier. It was a little inaccurate. It was between 31 and 36 inches. Later on, they changed that to the "walking vara".

They also had the "Castilian (or Measured) Vara" which was exactly 33 inches. Later on, in 1823 (after Spain left), the Mexican Vara was established at 32.8 inches. This may seem very insignificant, but if you have a Treasure Map, that says: "Start at the black rock, walk 39 varas to the North, turn left, walk another 39 varas, turn right, and walk another 39 varas, turn back left, and walk another 39 varas and dig." Even 1/2 inch difference between what the mapmaker meant, and what you interpret, could put you WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY Off!

They also measured distance by "rods" (16.5 feet), "chains" (66 feet), "estados" (usually depth on land, but was 5 feet 7 inches, the average height of a man), "brazas" (usually a measure for depth in water, but was 5 feet 7 inches), and "leguas" (2.12-2.18 miles), codos (16.5 inches), palmos (1/2 a codo= 8 1/4 inches).

Best-Mike

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

HOLA Gullyem: As usual my friend, excellent reporting. You did forget the "CODO" which was also used extensivly. The codo was basically 1/2 a vara, the distance from the elbow to the fingertips, a very inaccuraste and variable measurement also.

(the measurement was called a "Codo" is because the elbow is called the "Codo" in Spanish, it also signifies a bend, such as in a arroyo bend)

Some day I will just have to sit down with you, our mutual bearded one, and a gallon of coffee He makes the coffee and Lassagne, while Mazie snuggles up to me.

Don Jose de La Mancha