Windchimes - Transcending Through Time And History
Musical chimes have gone a long way throughout history as instruments of strength and tranquility. From ancient monasteries to the modern homes we have today, they’re presence can be seen majestically and heard harmoniously soon as the wind blows bringing you instant bliss with echoing images of floating dreams and inner peace. Such is the immense popularity of these chimes that you can see them dangling practically anywhere in America gracing both indoor and outdoor spaces. Not only are they beautiful to behold but enchanting as well.
You would be interested to know that during the onset of civilization in the royal courts of Asia and the big temples dedicated to the Gods in the Mediterranean islands, wind chimes were revered in elaborate ceremonies to attract or dispel negative energies, when the age of discovery was in vogue at the onset of the 14th century great explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan ruled the oceans for new territories, chimes were there as useful guides for weather forecasting detrimental for the success of a voyage that lasts up to 4 years circumnavigating the world. During those days before satellite imaging was the standards, chimes played a great role in shaping our worlds history with sailors, army generals, soldiers and farmers used large wind chimes to determine wind speed and direction. Wind directions are associated with specific weather conditions. Winds blowing off an open ocean to coastal areas where people depend on the seas for food would strongly indicate pleasant temperatures when summer comes. Northeasterly winds blowing along the Atlantic and Pacific, often suggests a brewing storm and westerly or northwesterly winds may indicate a cold front is approaching. If the wind comes from the north or northwest, chimes sounds off as the wind blows guiding them when a storm or colder weather is on the way. If the wind comes from the south, it may mean milder weather is coming.
By strategically hanging several sets of wind chimes, you can hear the general direction of the wind; and the rate at which the clapper strikes the chimes can give an estimate of the wind speed. All of these evidences where later unearthed as archaeologists dug up chime like instruments dating back as early in human civilization.
Today, metal chimes are used daily for its healing effects on the mind and body. Its resonance and vibration is believed to release stress and emotional blockages for a complete body, mind and spirit cleansing attested by people from all walks of life. One devotee is Gerry Spence of Denver Colorado. He was gifted a chime on his 50th birthday and immediately placed it on his outdoor yard, tending his garden one cold and windy morning, his spirits where instantly lifted by its melody. "I’m so thrilled every time they sound off, reminding me of images of serenity in a cool tropical paradise" he explains. The positive sounds of wind chimes are thought to promote relaxation and reduce any anxiety and tension. Holistic experts and yoga practitioner’s are unanimous in preaching that wind chimes does helps a lot in enhancing the aura, bringing a sense of well being.
They make a perfect gift item too as proven by the brisk sales of tuned chimes at WalMart stores. Cute little angels dressed in their white frilly wear are favorites together with colorful Hummingbirds that can be played anytime with a fine key cleverly attached on its back, making a good accent pieces in homes whatever the design style maybe. One thing great about these chimes is that the recipient’s name can be lovingly engraved on its fine surface, thus the personal touch, making the present truly unique being handcrafted, not by a machine.
Interior decorators nowadays urges most home makers to have small chimes dangling in small living spaces to emit a harmonious melody easily easing tensions that comes living in cramped rooms, as rented or owned houses and apartments are getting smaller and smaller everyday with the high cost of living. Tiny wind chimes are usually in the mezzo range, for that deep quality sound that relaxes, so minute at 7/8″ in diameter with an overall length of approximately 36″. That easily blends in places everywhere.
Lives have been changed and broken relationships have been restored because of the humble wind chime, they have indeed been edging house pets as man’s best friend in times of uncertainty. Aren’t we all glad they’re here?
Tags: large wind chimes | large wind chimes | musical chimes | musical chimes | metal chimes | metal chimes | small chimes | small chimes | tuned chimes | tuned chimes