Listen to the mystical sound of chimes when the wind passes through them, the tinkling sound they create make the atmosphere so wonderful that it feels like you are in some place so tranquil and peaceful.

Wind chimes are decorative, musical ornament that you can hang in your bedroom, drawing room, balcony, at the entrance of your house or in your garden. Made from the arrangement of different things, such as metal, shell, glass, clay, plastic or wood, wind chimes stimulate our inner senses in a way as to lead to relaxation.

It is thought that the sound created by the clang of the wind chimes help enhance the mind, body and spirit connection bringing us a sense of peace.

History

The history of wind chimes goes back to almost 5000 years back in time. The first evidences of chimes were found at archaeological sites in South East Asia, which dates them back to 3000BC. It is said that the primitive people made strands of bone, clay pots, woods and bamboo to ward off evil and bring good fortune to their houses. Also, other evidences suggest that, originally, wind chimes were hung to frighten away birds.

By 2000BC, wind chimes began to develop in ancient Egypt and were cast in bronze. And around 1100BC, the Chinese created wind chimes which they called ‘feng-ling’, similar to the today’s modern chimes -- intended primarily to create music and melody.

Wind chime as weather forecaster

Days before weather forecast was available, farmers and sailors used wind chimes to forecast weather, but only for a short-time weather forecast.

These farmers and sailors observed speed and direction by strategically hanging wind chimes. They deciphered approaching of cold weather, storm and the rain with the direction and speed of the wind at the rate at which the clapper strikes the chimes.

Let’s briefly look at a few other famous types of wind chimes:

Pipe

These come in a range of materials such as steel, brass, aluminium, etc. Their thickness, length and material depend on the sound they create, which varies according to the air column.

The material determines the voice of the pipe while the air column determines the pitch. Soft material like copper generates softer tone while materials like steel create a sharper sound.

Bamboo

As the name suggests, there are made from dried bamboo stalk. The sound of the bamboo wind chimes is softer than that of the pipe chime which is sharp, more tinkling and bell-like.

Seashell

This is also another quieter and softer type of wind chime. Seashells look beautiful as well as natural and they make a clicking sound when clang together.

Beaded

Another category with a softer sound is beaded wind chime. They come in crystal, wooden and also ceramic. They look beautiful, yet they are generally very delicate as they can break with a heavy gush of wind blows, so you should be careful before hanging them at such a place. While beads can be added to other components with a chime, they make a perfect combination with bamboo and seashells.

Eclectic

These chimes can easily be made at home, the material used in them is old utensils, cow bells, wooden or craft rings, small kettle, cups or even spoons. Their sound depends on the material used. So they can be softer and they can be really loud.

Clay

Made up of clay pots, they look beautiful, you can brightly colour them and make attractive patterns. With different shapes made up of clay such as animals, flowers, bells, pots, they look awesome and enhance the place wherever you intend to hang them. When they clang, they make a pleasing sound; however, they are also fragile so hang them in places that do not have direct air flow.

There are many other kinds and variation in the material of the wind chimes these days. But it all depends on what you like in your house. You can be more creative by making something yourself to match the decor of your house or garden.

For instance, take your small stuff toys, make a strand of them or you can even create something out of your old toys and blocks. Well sky is the limit when it comes to creativity.