Facts About Wind Chimes

Wind chimes have been part of different cultures for centuries. In earlier times, they played an important role in traditions and customs. They make wonderful home and garden accents, but also, their soothing sounds bring harmony and balance to life.

For all within hearing distance of wind chimes, their melodic sound provides a calming effect.

Origins of Wind Chimes

The origins of wind chimes date back to prehistoric times when they were used to scare away evil spirits and birds. Over time, they were used by emperors and other high leaders to create inner peace. Throughout Tibet, Bali and Japan, it was common to see highly intricate and decorative wind chimes in sacred places. In China, the pitch of wind chimes helped to determine astrological and climate changes. China and Japan were also the first to introduce wind chimes as decorative art in homes.

Sound Construction

The sounds wind chimes produce are a result of the way they are constructed. A central clapper in the shape of a disk or ball is surrounded by tubes, rods or other shapes. As the tubes move, they touch the central clapper and produce a tone.

The sounds of wind chimes differ depending on whether the tubes are made of metal, wood, glass, porcelain, stone or other material. Also contributing to the quality of the sound is how the tubes are strung in relation to the central clapper.

Common Places to Hang Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are traditionally hung outside a house on a porch, deck or balcony. Numerous homeowners hang them at front and back doors to welcome guests. In addition, wind chimes are commonly found in the garden as a decorative accent.

Wind chimes are also used as indoor home decor to decorate a long window or to add an accent to a kitchen window. Many people hang wind chimes in their bedrooms to enjoy their relaxing sounds.

Other Uses for Wind Chimes

The role of wind chimes has expanded from the home to other areas. In music, they are commonly used as a percussion instrument to add texture to the composition.

Many farmers and sailors continue to use wind chimes to check current weather conditions. They hang the wind chimes in various areas to track wind direction and speed.

Many homeowners use wind chimes as a feng shui element to foster good luck.

Health Benefits

Listening to wind chimes is believed to reduce stress and promote relaxation and calmness. Their sounds are considered to have a healing effect on body and mind. They relieve fatigue and encourage listening, creativity and upbeat feelings.

The tones that reverberate through the wind chimes are believed to unblock emotional stress and bring a feeling of inner peace and conscious awareness. Listening to wind chimes also creates a sense of balance in one's life.