Some people believe that wind chimes are merely for decorative purposes. They are made of a variety of materials, including a wide variety of metals, glass of all colors and sizes, and if its crafter feels like being fancy, the occasional semi-precious gemstone to add a special tone when they ring. It is true; decoratively speaking, when they are made as such, they are beautiful to behold, both with your eyes and your ears.
That is not all that they are good for, though. In some cultures, as well as certain circles, wind chimes serve as a bridge between here and the hereafter. Spirits, some say, are affected by the soft sounds that they make. Some folks use them to ward away more harmful spirits, as firecrackers are rumored to do during the Chinese New Year. Others feel that they’re used to welcome the more beneficial spirits and keep them around. The music serves as sort of an offering. There are also people that feel that spirits try to communicate with us by making the chimes ring.
Not too bad for a simple collection of metal and glass.
