Returning to the outdoors after a long winter to reawakening flowers and newly green grass is usually a welcome change. However, while you are enjoying the sights and smells of spring, sometimes it's nice to hear new sounds, too -- especially when wind chimes are gently stirring in the breeze.

There is something calming about chimes playing in an outdoor breeze, says Colleen Michaels. However, for her, hearing those chimes in her yard is bittersweet, as they were a gift from a close friend when Michaels lost her only brother nearly two years ago. "When he passed, one of my best friends sent me an engraved steppingstone and some heavy chimes," she said.

"I've never really owned any wind chimes. To be honest, I remember my mother didn't care for the lightweight ones that made a lot of noise. At first, I thought the chimes might make me sad or maybe get tangled because where I live it is often windy. However, I hung them on the far side of the yard, and they sound lovely, and they've withstood the strongest storm winds."

Wind chimes are an instrument that originated around 1100 B.C. in ancient China. Those wind chimes, known as fenglings, were said to expel negative spirits and attract loving spirits to any outdoor space. Because of world trade, wind chimes gradually began to make their way all over the world, eventually arriving in Europe and the Americas. Now, of course, wind chimes hang in windows, on porches and on outdoor buildings everywhere.

In gardens, wind chimes not only add to the beauty of the atmosphere and provide a lovely background sound, but they also just might deter wildlife visitors and birds that are on the lookout for a free meal.

"There is nothing that relaxes me more than wind chimes," said Vickie Bach. "I happen to own several because I really can't pick a favorite one. Each one offers its own beautiful song, depending on what it's made of." She also likes to make her own chimes, experimenting with different objects.

Chimes can be made from a variety of items like seashells, broken glass, antique silverware, bamboo sticks, old mason jar lids, discarded heavy-duty garden pots or copper tubing. They can be quirky, artsy or cute, depending on how they are constructed and painted. They are usually sold in garden centers, large department stores and at craft shows.

As a rule, when chimes feature aluminum, copper or wood, the bigger and longer the cylinders are, the more profound and lower the sounds will be. On the other hand, short, tight pipes usually produce higher pitches. If you build -- or purchase -- aluminum wind chimes, those rings will give the longest and most intense sounds.

Michaels concludes that her friend's thoughtful gifts have prompted her to buy similar remembrances for grieving friends. "My brother loved the outdoors, just like I do, and my friend knows that," she said. "So, when they chime, I remember him with love. I miss him, but rather than bring sadness, those chimes always make me smile. If I ever move, they are coming with me."