Furin ( Japanese 風鈴 , fu: “wind”, rin “bell”) is a traditional Japanese bell made of metal or glass (sometimes also ceramic or bamboo is used ), with a sheet of paper attached to the tongue , which sometimes depicts poetic text. Usually, furin has a rounded shape, but can also be made in the form of animals , sticks, ordinary bells, etc. Traditionally, bells are hung on windows or under a cornice to provide a feeling of coolness in the summer, according to the belief of the Japanese, due to the effect of certain sound frequencies on the body.
History
The direct predecessor of furin first appeared in China about 2000 years ago. It was called zhanfendo (占 風 鐸) and was used to predict fate. Later, a group of Buddhist priests brought these bells to Japan, where they gained popularity during the Muromachi period ( 1336 - 1573 ). In the Edo period ( 1603 - 1867 ), furins became even more popular and spread throughout Japan.
In Culture
Since furin is a recognizable attribute in Japan, it was mentioned both in literature and in art. He was depicted on engravings by ukiyo-e and composed by haiku :
| On a winter night, furin rang - and on a single breath New Year has come ...Nakamura Kusatao |
| I bought a bell-furin, hung on the veranda and here is the wind!Naito Meisetsu |
See also
- Musical pendant