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A wind chime is a type of musical instrument that harnesses the power of the wind to create soothing rhythms and sounds. They are most commonly hung on porches and doorways that face the wind so that they can gently move with the movements in the air to create music. Wind chimes have traditionally been used for bringing in good fortune and good luck to homes and are an essential part of traditional feng shui and vaastu. Even if you don’t believe in either, a wind chime is a great addition to your home, because of the ambience that the components create when clinking together gently to create music.

What is a wind chime?

A wind chime can be made in many ways, all of which essentially create an instrument that harnesses the power of the wind to create music. There are three main types of wind chimes that differ on the basis of their construction.

• Some wind chimes are simply a cluster of similar objects that are suspended from a central support that move in the wind and create sounds when they strike against each other.
• Other wind chimes have a collection of clappers and a metal plate which causes sounds to be heard when these clappers strike against the metal plate.
• A third type of wind chime consists of a bell which is suspended from a central support which rings as the wind blows.

The wind chime through history

Wind chimes have a long history which means that they can be considered an amalgam of different cultures and different time periods. The ancient civilizations that flourished in South-East Asia are said to be the creators of the wind chime. The Chinese civilizations used hanging wind bells in 1100 BC and that might be considered the first appearance of the wind chime.

Buddhist priests had a special value for wind chimes and hundreds of wind chimes adorned their temples and shrines to drive away evil spirits and attract kind ones. In China and Japan, many homes are decorated with decorative chimes in keeping with the same traditions.

What do you make wind chimes with?

In ancient Chinese and Bali civilizations, bamboo was commonly available and so wind chimes were traditionally made from bamboo. Metal tubes are used for perfectly tuned large wind chime sets which are designed for precision. Novelty wind chimes use a different set of raw materials and these can be diverse, they include brass, copper or bronze tubes surrounded by hangings or trinkets made of shells, pottery, metal or glass. Driftwood, resin and metal are also commonly used. Nylon thread is most commonly used to ensure that the hanging fixture is strong and can withstand adverse climates. You can also complement wind chimes with decorative wall hangings.

Where to hang wind chimes?

Traditionally, wind chimes are hung where they can be accessed by wind, such as on a porch or the balcony of a house. They can also be hung at the end of a long deck to welcome fresh air. Many people also choose to hang wind chimes at the main doorways to their homes as a way to welcome guests. They can also be hung outdoors that is, in a garden or near a flowerbed for a decorative element. In all these places, wind chimes tinkle to reflect the movement of the wind. Add in candles to the picture and you have got yourself a magical ambience.

Wind chimes can also be placed indoors to accentuate a long window. They can also be used in bedrooms and other rooms so that the relaxing sounds create a soothing ambience in the home.

Wind chimes are traditionally believed to be hung to prevent bad spirits from entering a home. In some cultures, the violent ringing of a wind chime is seen as a portent or a warning to signal imminent danger. As history shows, wind chimes are a beautiful addition to any home as they create a while new atmosphere with their soothing tones.