Sunday, July 24, 2011

The use and purpose of wind chimes.

Ancient Rome
Roman bronze wind chimes called tintinnabulum were hung up in gardens and porticoes where they would make a tinkling sound as the wind passed through them. Bells were believed to keep off evil spirits and so they were often combined with the phallus, which was also a symbol of good fortune and a charm against evil. The image shows one example with a main phallus portrayed with wings, and the feet and tail of an animal, perhaps a lion. These added to its protective powers.[1]

 Eastern and Western Asia

In India during the second century CE and later in China extremely large pagodas became popular. At each corner small wind bells were hung; the slightest breeze would swing the clapper and cause a melodious tinkling. It is said that these bells were originally intended to frighten away not only birds but also any lurking evil spirits. Wind bells are not limited to pagodas. They are also hung under the corners of roofs of temples, palaces and homes.[2] Japanese glass wind bells known as Fūrin (風鈴) have been produced since the Edo period,[3] and those at Mizusawa Station are one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan. Wind chimes are thought to be good luck in parts of Asia and are used in Feng Shui.

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