(B21) HINDU WIND CHIME
Artist – Unknown       Media – Unknown

In second century (C.E.) India and later in China, extremely large pagodas became popular with small wind bells hung at each corner.  The slightest breeze caused the clapper to swing, producing a melodious tinkling.  


It is said that these bells were originally intended to frighten away not only birds but also any lurking spirits.  Wind chimes are also hung under the corners of temples, palaces and home roofs.  


Wind chimes are thought to be good luck in parts of Asia.  They started to become modernized around 1100 B.C.E. after the Chinese began to cast bells.  A chime without a clapper was crafted by skilled metal artisans and primarily used in religious ceremonies.  


Afterwards, the Chinese created the feng-ling which is similar to today’s modern wind chimes.  Feng-lings were hung from shrines and pagodas to ward off evil spirits and attract benevolent ones.  


Today, wind chimes are common in the East and used to maximize the flow of chi (life’s energy).