Wind chimes were first made back in prehistoric times by many cultures. And through the ages have continued to remain popular for their decorative appeal and sound. In Rome, wind chimes were called titinnabulum. And were used much like today, and put in gardens where wind would pass through them causing them to produce a tinkling sound. It was thought the noise would chase the evil spirits away, and invite the good spirits to stay.
In the second century in India very large pagodas became popular, then later in China. Buddhists would use wind chimes and bells abundantly, by the hundreds or sometimes thousands. The chimes were elaborately decorated, carved and cast, and were hung at each corner of the roof, under eaves of temples, on pagodas and shrines. When the wind would pass through the thousands of chimes, it would cause a near deafening sound. These bells were originally used to scare away birds, and any lurking evil spirits. They are now thought to be good luck and are used in Feng Shui. Feng shui considers sound as a great way to get rid of negative energy, so many homes in Asia have wind chimes.
Chimes were first used in Asia and the ancient Mediterranean. They were thought to attract good spirits as well as warding off evil spirits. In China and Japan, because of their decorative appeal they became used in private residence as well in sacred locations. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that their popularity spread to the Western countries.
Many believe that chimes are also good for the health. The reverberant and vibration of the sound is believed to release emotional blockages in the body, sooth the mind, and relieve stress, causing a more conscious awareness and connection with the spirit. The soothing tinkling sound is thought to encourage relaxation while diminishing tension and anger.
Long ago people also used Chimes to predict the weather. They didn't have highly sophisticated ways of predicting the weather like we do today. Farmers and fisherman thought they could make short-term weather predictions with the wind chimes. For example, they would hang some chimes in a location exposed from the north. Wind coming from the north could mean cold weather coming in. Or by placing chimes in a location exposed to the south, wind from the south could mean milder weather. Based off the intensity of the chimes they could gauge if a storm was coming in. By placing wind chimes from various directions they could get a picture of what weather may be brewing.
In Bali they create wind chimes from capiz shells, known as the windowpane oyster. In the 1500's the capiz was used to make windowpanes in homes. Now they are used for all sorts of decorations. Such as lamp shades, vases, chimes, dishes, and jewelry.
Wind chimes date back to prehistoric times and have been used for many and various reasons. Whatever your reason for using wind chimes, their tinkling sound does create a relaxing atmosphere. And with so many shapes, designs and materials to choose from, they can be a lovely addition to any home or garden.
Cassidy Frost is a writer for The Tinkling Wind Chime. http://www.thetinklingwindchime.com/ offers a wide variety of stylish garden decor, from practical to whimsical. Offering a wide selection of wind chimes, garden flags, birdhouses, birdbaths and much much more! Start transforming your backyard into your own personal Eden!
No comments:
Post a Comment