The Japanese enjoy living close to nature and built their homes to face south and trap sunlight and warmth. But in those early days, without insulation, the muggy summer heat could make homes unbearable. To block direct sunlight, the glass or paper doors were removed and replaced by hanging strips made of split bamboo (called sudo). These allowed a breeze to pass and filtered the light. Placing bamboo blinds (sudare) outside windows and doors brought further protection from the sun. The blinds allowed the family to enjoy the night breeze and hear the sounds of birds and insects. The furin’s soft tune was never shut out. The bell’s quiet voice announced visiting breezes and helped the people forget the summer heat.

At first, only the upper class could afford chimes, but by the Edo period (c. 1603-1867) they were popular with all Japanese people. Every spring the furin peddler toted his jangling load through the narrow streets, reminding the people to prepare for a hot summer.

Early chimes were made from iron, glass, or ceramics. Japanese families usually hung one under the eaves so they wouldn’t miss its clear vibrations. During the Edo period, furins were of blown glass heated to about 1200⁰C. A few glass furins painted in flower colors are still made in Japan today. Inexpensive iron furins have been cast for more than eight hundred years. Cast-iron furins are said to have a deeper, clearer sound.

The custom of hanging a furin near the house spread to other countries. Today, families all over the world enjoy the spontaneous sound of the wind chimes or small bells that hang on their porch or in their gardens. With the advent of air-conditioning and high-rise apartment complexes in Japan, family quarters are so close that the wind bells are less popular.

But in older or rural homes, families still hang the tinkling glass bells. Perhaps the furin still forecasts when the rains will come.

Belva Green is a freelance author based in Holiday, Florida.