HOMESCAPES: Wind Chimes

HOMESCAPES

Origin & Benefits of Wind Chimes Wind Chimes

By Ray Hunter

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1 Bamboo wind chimes are among the oldest known to man. Their deep, earthy tone resonates with most and makes them a popular option of wind chimes.

There is something comforting about hearing wind chimes among raindrops, distant sirens, and traffic on busy streets. And depending on your outlook on life and spiritual beliefs, wind chimes can be pleasant sounding background music or a tool to bring good luck and positive energy.

Wind chimes have a long, rich history that spans many centuries, cultures, and continents. They are believed to be one of the first musical instruments created by man, and their soothing, hypnotic tones are instantly recognized worldwide.

The wind chime’s expansive lineage dates back to prehistoric times. Many of these ancient wind chimes were made from stones, shells, wood, bamboo, and even bone. Historians believe primitive cultures would hang wind chimes in the forest to frighten off evil spirits and enemies. Wind chimes were also placed closer to homes and villages to attract benevolent spirits. Farmers would use them to scare off birds and animals from their fields.

Today’s wind chimes are manufactured from various materials, including pottery, wood, metal, plastic, glass, shells, and bamboo. The sound and tone produced by a wind chime are governed by the type of material used to construct it. The loudest and most resonating wind chimes are those made from aluminum.

Wind chimes are also very eco-friendly. Almost no by-products are produced during the manufacturing process, and there is very little waste, as most wind chime manufacturers produce several different designs and sizes. Meticulous machining techniques that produce aluminum and other metal wind chimes also decrease waste. The waste that is produced is then recycled into manufacturing more wind chimes.

It has also been reported that the vibration and resonance produced by wind chimes can calm the body and reduce stress, anger, and tension. Wind chimes can profoundly affect the body, mind, and spirit by fostering inner peace and healing. They enhance positive Chi and bring harmony, balance, and well-being.

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2 Japanese ironware bells are perfect for apartments with a balcony or to hang just inside your window frame for days when you are taking advantage of the fresh air. Inspired by a temple bell, these colorful cast iron beauties come with a lightweight paper or metal strips to catch the wind. Rain and gales can damage delicate paper, so you’ll want to replace the hanger from time to time—leaving the opportunity to create your own with a few words of poetry, a tribute to someone’s memory, or a seasonal design.

3 Wind chimes can be as varied as they are melodic. Whether you fill your space with one or many, the beauty and benefits of the wind chime will accompany.