Wind Chimes

 

 

Wind Chime, also known as Aeolian Chimes are hollow tubular musical instruments that catch the wind and create music. A wind chime is basically made of a cluster of similar kinds of materials which are suspended from a common support. At the center of the cluster, there is a clapper with a bell attached to it. The wind causes these objects to strike each other and the clapper causing a tinkling sound. As the clapper moves, the bell attached to the clapper starts ringing, adding to the music. In Japan wind chimes are known as “Furin”.

History and Origin of Wind Chimes:

Wind Chimes can be traced back to the prehistoric era of many cultures. The oldest wind chimes were found in South-east Asian archaeological sites dating back to 3000 B.C. The Mediterraneans’ developed bells in 2000 B.C and around the same time, Egyptians started casting them in bronze. The musical and artistic refinements of wind chimes are attributed to the Asian countries. The Chinese were the first to create wind bells, called “feng-ling” by casting bells during 1100 B.C. The wind chime steadily gained religious significance. The most significant effect of wind chimes was felt on Feng Shui, the Chinese art of using element arrangement to achieve balance and harmony. Wind Chimes are supposed to bring in good luck.

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The Japanese, Chinese, Tibetans and Balinese people use wind chimes to drive away evil spirits and attract the good ones. They are a common feature in almost every home. Wind chimes are especially revered by Buddhists who hang them from shrines, pagodas, temples and in caves.

The wind chimes are hung in hundreds and at times they create a deafening sound. Wind chimes were also used in helping to forecast weather. Before weather forecasting was developed, farmers and sailors were able to make short term weather forecasts with the help of knowledge about local weather conditions and some observations such as wind speed and direction. They used to hang wind chimes to determine the direction of wind. The rate at which the clapper struck the chimes was used to calculate the wind speed. In Bali, bamboo wind chimes were used by farmers in rice fields to scare away birds and animals and to charm spirits.

Wind Chimes in Feng Shui:

The literal translation of Feng Shui is wind and water, these being the most fundamental elements of life's energies. The flow of energy in Feng Shui is known as Chi. Positive Chi energy flow is essential for health, happiness and good fortune. Wind chimes are a way of increasing the positive Chi in one's life. The resonance of the wind chimes calms the mind and relieves stress. The musical tones of a wind chime enhance well being and expand awareness. They open your mind, increase relaxation and reduce anger and tension. The music of the wind chimes has a soothing and healing effect on the body and mind. The resonance and vibration produced by the sound clears emotional blockages and increases consciousness and one's awareness with spirit. The principles of Feng Shui believe that it can bring a sense of peace by connecting the mind, body and spirit. Nowadays many interior decorators use wind chimes to bring good luck and fortune to homes and offices. Different kinds of wind chimes work best in different environments. In order to get best results, wind chimes should be chosen of the material similar to the element of the direction that the wind chime will be facing. Metal wind chimes slow down energy flow in a building. They are best for West, Northwest and North corners of the building. Wooden wind chimes are good for use in the East, Southeast and South corners. The kind of luck that needs to be attracted or suppressed depends on the number of rods in the wind chime. A solid rod metal wind chime is used to suppress bad luck from beams or poison arrows. They are useful in pressing down bad energy and should be hung inside the house or office. 4, 6, 7, 8 or 18 rods are used to attract luck. Feng Shui principles assert that happiness and good fortune can be attracted by creating a balance of natural energies in the home. The rods in the wind chimes are made hollow to allow Chi to flow through it. Wind chimes are used to cure or rectify difficult situations. Wind chimes should not be hung directly above sleeping, sitting, eating or working spaces. This suppresses the energy flow. In case of shortage of space, the wind chime should be hung below waist level.

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