Wind chimes—instruments producing mystical sounds when played by the wind—have existed in some shape or form since at least 3,000 B.C. Originating in Southeast Asia, the first wind chimes were made from bones, wood, or shells with sinew, primitive cordage, or other materials. They originally functioned to scare birds away from early farms (a purpose filled by modern-day scarecrows); the sound of chimes in the wind would bother the birds and keep them from destroying crops. Structure of Wind Chimes Wind chimes can be made from a variety of materials—any arrangement that can be suspended from a frame so that some components are able to produce sound and reverberate when the wind blows. Most wind chimes share the following features: A hanger or ring connects the wind chimes to an external structure, like a hook or overhang. Suspension cord—often several lengths of it—is used to hang each chime. A suspension …