Today’s windchimes are said to be descended from ancient Indian wind bells, which were cherished in China as decorations for pagodas and other buildings needing to scare away evil spirits. Japan developed glass wind bells, and wind chimes have long been associated with good luck in most of Asia, usually placed according to the principles of geomancy such as feng shui.
Wind chimes found within the United States have a tendency to be made out of wood or some kind of metal. They also have a tendency to be tubular in shape, though much more fanciful designs aren’t uncommon. Sounds made by wind chimes are not tunable and are just about entirely dependent on their construction – in particular the primary material. A typical wind chime produces sounds ranging from brightly tinkling to dull thudding.
These sounds are technically called inharmonic spectra, though occasionally very modest manipulation may well be achieved via such variables as altering the height of their placement. Audial frequencies are determined by a wind chime’s dimensions.
Men and women usually hang wind chimes right by the door in order to announce the presence of visitors. They are also utilized simply as decoration, and are in particular enjoyable to those who like the singing of birds. While of ancient pedigree, the 21st Century wind chime is getting a technological makeover in the form of windless wind chimes, which rely on solar power instead of the wind. In this way, when the air is calm one can still enjoy the relaxing notes!
No introduction to wind chimes would be complete without mentioning their use in musical performances. While not actual instruments as such, the sounds they produce, in particular under what manipulation can be managed, have been found useful to both classical and rock music – for example, David Sitek of the band TV on the Radio frequently hangs a wind chime towards the end of his guitar.