subject: The Evolution Of Bell Wind Chimes [print this page] Bell wind chimes are usually hung outside homes and buildings. This ornament is used to please both the eyes and the ears. It is usually made of metal, wood, shells, glass and stones in forms of tubes, rods and other endearing designs. When the wind blows the chimes, sweet and delicate melody is created.
These suspending ornaments were used as early as in the times of ancient Rome as symbols against malevolence. They called it "tintinnabulum" and they believed that the flickering sound that these bells make could cast away evil spirits. They used to hang it up in gardens and doorways along with phallus which was an emblem of good fortune.
The early ancestors of India, China and Japan also adored these wind bells. They first hung it up in pagodas, then later under the corners of their temples, palaces and homes also. They were originally used to scare off the birds and the evil spirits as well. It was also perceived that these decorative art pieces can sooth the mind and body. In later years, these small chimes were innovated into adornments. And they were also used as an object of Feng Shui, with the belief of its ability to attract good fortune, and enhance the flow of chi or energy of life.
Today, there is a vast variety of bell chimes to choose from. The length of tubes and rods directly affect the type of sound it produces. Higher pitch sounds come from shorter chimes, while deep and fuller sounds happen to the longer ones. Some wind chime types can be adjusted to one's desired tune as well. Also, the more tubes and rods, the more melodies it can play with the wind. These musical ornaments are made of different materials and come up with different forms and designs. Some of these are:
Metal Wind Chimes - Since these are made of metal, particularly aluminum, they are the most durable type. Thus, they are perfect for outdoor settings.
Glass Wind chimes - Its glass and acrylic pieces make it the most eye-catching type of wind chime. With its sweet noise, and stylish look these can effortlessly enhance one's abode.
Ceramic Wind Chimes - These chimes have vast variation in forms and designs. Because of the materials used, this could be placed either inside or outside the house.
Bamboo Wind Chimes - These natural-looking musical ornaments made of bamboo can make a greener ambiance to one's home. However, it may break after continuous exposure to sunlight, rain and snow; so it is best for indoor setting.
Solar Wind Chimes - Technology touched up these ancient ornaments, thus produced the solar wind chimes. This looks very different from the traditional chimes, with almost 1 foot in length. The music will be produced through solar cell technology, thus require sunlight instead of wind.
Throughout the ages, these chimes have massively evolved not only physically but according to its purpose as well. On the other hand, the aesthetics that these bell wind chimes can endow does not fade.
