Where do wind chimes come from? Clapperless bells were called “yongzhong” and were used to accompany religious rites and ceremonies. Skilled artists and workers of metal created these bells which were the forerunner of the wind chime. Buddhists hung thousands of these chimes and bells on the eaves of shrines, pagodas and temples. Many were highly decorated and carved or cast into many shapes and sizes. The purpose was to cause an awesome sound sensation and belief they would attract DEMON-SPIRITS.