Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes provide a beautifully resonant sound which has a soothing effect on the sprit and the mind. Very popular in and out of doors, wind chimes provide a visual and auditory aesthetic to create a serene, peaceful atmosphere. Said to have originated in ancient China, wind chimes were generally placed in the arches and doorways of pagodas and temples in homage to the sanctuary of the sacred place.

The Asian tradition of Feng Shui, still very relevant today, even dictates the type and placement of wind chimes to achieve ultimate Chi. The preferred shape of wind chimes for Feng Shui purposes is tubular. Using chimes made of brass or steel, consisting of 6 or 7 rods should be placed in a north, west or northwest corner to represent the metal element. Wind chimes of 3 or 4 rods made out of bamboo represent the wood element and should be placed in the south or east corners of a space.

Wind chimes can be made of virtually any material, the most popular being aluminum, brass or bamboo. However, wind chimes made out of porcelain, pewter and shells may also be found. Also, many styles of wind chimes are available to suit different interest and hobbies. Cultures, such as Native American tribes may also be represented through the style and design of wind chimes.

The tone and scale of the wind chimes depends on many factors. First, the material is of crucial importance as metal has a very different sound than bamboo for example. Next, the number of rods and the length to which they are cut will determine the tone and scale. Mathematics plays a large part in developing formulas of the different tones which will result from different numbers and lengths of rods. Lastly, the design of the wind chimes will have a large effect on sound. The placement of the string and each rod in relation to one another are all determining factors of the resulting sound.