Music of the Wind

  The winds shifted from the north to coming from the east, today.  I was in hopes that that north breeze would hang around for a while since with it came some cooler weather.  Perhaps this east wind will bring us much needed rain so all is well.  With this east wind (or with south, for that matter) comes a delightful music.  Since the windows open to welcome the crisp fall air, I can hear a tinkling of wind chimes as the gentle breeze wafts under the rose arbor.  The music makes me happy as both wind chimes were gifts from family members years ago.

  Wind chimes are some of those things that we all seem to recognize but rarely does anyone know the history behind them.  They have been around for thousands of years.  In ancient times, especially in South East Asia, the wind chime was used to ward off evil spirits and welcome benevolent spirits.  These chimes were usually strung bells whose tinkling could be heard in most gardens.  Ancient Romans used them as a symbol of good fortune and would hang them from porticoes   Later, the chimes/bells had a more purposeful use.  Farmers would hang the devices in their fields to scare birds and animals that would come to devour the crops.  Fruit trees soon had the chimes dangling from limbs to do the same. Now, wind chimes are more for aesthetic purpose.  Their melodic tinkling can be soothing and meditative.  

  Wind chimes come in assorted styles and tones.  Depending on the material used to make the chimes, the music can be a simple clattering of wood to gorgeous notes produced by finer metals. The more exquisite chimes have an actual formulas for tube size and hole placement to produce a myriad of musical tones.  These have recognizable notes and can be classified as actual chance-based musical instruments.  

  I enjoy the chimes in the garden...not only for their tinkling wind-produced music but of the love that came with the gift of chimes.  It is highly relaxing to hear the music that is made purely by chance.  Music of the Wind...happy thoughts.