Dan's Papers - July 27, 2007 - Gone With The Wind

Whispering winds seem drawn to the banging, clanging tunes of wind chimes. Since the days of old, this ancient Asian good-luck charm, made of chimes and bells, is believed to protect homes from evil spirits and today, the precision tuned wind times produce a simply sweet and inviting melody for your porch. The gentle sounds of a wind chime are said to release a high level of positive energy while loosening any dense energy hidden beneath clutter in the home. So by rough calculation, it seems that superstition and musicality point in favor of a wind chime, unless for some reason you don't want to shield your house from evil spirits or you're against having a sweet sounding melody as your home's theme song.

According to experts, soft tunes have a relaxing and calming effect on our bodies; spas don't just choose those songs by chance. It's little wonder as to why wind chimes are used to promote a sense of well-being. The gentle melody of a wind chime, according to Asian culture experts, can loosen the energy flow cornered in a room to better equalize positive energy. Sound waves created by wind chimes can help calm a fast moving spiritual flow to help it slowly disperse into or throughout the house. Wind chimes are a subtle but effective way to bring the calmness of a spa into your home.

Sweet sounds of wind chimes seem accidental because you can't predict the direction of the wind or the sound it will create, however, there is a strict science that goes into professionally created chimes.

Connected to its Asian upbringing, wind chimes are strongly connected to the art of Feng Shui. Now, Feng Shui is not science but the methodology and precision required for Feng Shui uses the same level of rigor needed in science and simply infuses it into interior design- strange, isn't it? Wind chimes with six or eight rods are said to enhance good luck and a wind chime with only five rods is believed to cure any bad chi that may have entered your home in ways other than the wind. According to the Feng Shui guidelines, wind chimes must not be placed over your sleeping, eating, sitting or working place (talk about strict guidelines) making it perfectly acceptable to put them on your porch, in a hallway or by a screened door. As per Feng Shui suggestions, Bamboo and Glass wind chimes are always a good choice. Bamboo is believed to herald good fortune and successful relationships if placed in the correct southeastern corner, and glass wind chimes are believed to enhance career prospects when placed in the northeastern corner and in a southwest or northeast direction, (I told you- it's a science) are believed to enhance career prospects.

As for the real science behind wind chimes, there are particular placements and pipes used to achieve the sweetest and more inviting tune. The lengths and placements of the tubular pipes is dependent upon where each pipe will vibrate most when struck by the clapper; this point of the pipe is called the anti-node. The anti-node resonates with a clear, true sound at the end of each pipe, as well as in the center. The point where the pipe will vibrate least, the "node of vibration," is where the hole for the string is drilled (most commonly at the top of the pipe). Wind chimes are also specifically tuned to the pentatonic scale, the same scale as the black keys on the piano. This scale is best used for creating pleasing but random notes, perfect for a wind chime.

Now if you are the rebel-type or not such a fan of the Feng Shui trend, you can make your wind chime and put it anywhere your heart desires. For summer months, start a seashell collection and punch holes in the bottoms. Tie a knot at the bottom of the string and start stringing them on the wind chime. Make them different lengths to appeal to the standard wind chime aesthetic. Save the biggest shell for the center clapper.

A quality set of tuned tubes can make a great addition for your home both inside and out. There are hundreds of styles and designs of wind chimes for any home design. They not only add great decor for interior designs and lawn appeal, they also, according to Feng Shui philosophy, can bring good luck to you and your home alike. If you have never heard the soothing sound of wind chimes in the summer-scented air, its time to treat yourself - just don't mess up the Feng Shui.