Rain Chains

A Beautiful Alternative to Downpouts!

Rain chains are the newest sensation in outdoor decor, adding personality and refined style to any home. Rainchains are a functional alternative to a traditional downspout.  A unique and attractive, hand crafted rain chain will add excitement and positive energy to any outdoor space.

Rainchains (also known as “Kusari Doi") originated in Japan and are known to date back more than a hundred years.  The Japanese to this day, continue to place rainchains around their gardens, temples and homes in order to practice the ancient art of "fusui" (Japanese for "Feng Shui" - "wind and water" - definition below), as well as to conserve water by directing fresh rainwater into various cisterns to be used for gardening or drinking purposes.

It's no wonder why rainchains are growing in popularity in the United States.  There's not an easier way to "harness your chi" (see below), and at the same time, create an interesting water feature that the entire family can enjoy.  In addition, rainchains work great with rain barrels.  In order to live a more sustainable lifestyle, people are using rain chains to direct rainwater into rain barrels, storing the water and utilizing it for their gardens and other landscaping needs.  A fun and exciting way to practice water conservation.

There are many benefits to Rainchains. Not only does the rain chain direct rainwater from your gutter system to the ground, it also brings a sense of peacefulness to your outdoor living space. By sitting and listening to the rain water run through the rain chain brings serenity to your ears.  It is no wonder that the rainchains concept has existed for so long.

Definition of Feng Shui:

Feng Shui's literal translation is "wind and water". It is the ancient Chinese practice of balancing the elements within the environment.  Feng Shui is the art of placing and arranging matter and space in the correct order such that harmony with the environment is achieved. This harmony can refer to the harmony in the home, in relationships, in wealth and many other aspects in our lives. The practice has been around for several thousands of years and is still practiced in China and many parts of the world to this day.

The "Chi" in Feng Shui - "Harness your Chi"

Chi (Qi) when loosely translated means air but it can also refer to other things such as free flowing energy. In feng shui, chi is defined as the freedom of movement of this energy in a specific area. Believed by many to be able to help us be in harmony or in balance with our environment and the elements around us, chi is very important in this practice. Many people who practice feng shui believe that their quality of life depends on the way the chi flows in their environment or the area in which they occupy.
 
Wikipedia Definition of Rain Chain:

Rain chains (kusari doi, literally "chain-gutter") are alternatives to a downspout. They are widely used in Japan. Their purpose is largely decorative, to make a water feature out of the transport of rainwater from the guttering downwards to a drain or to a storage container. (Rainwater is sometimes collected for household usage.) They can be found on temples.

Rain chains are typically either a series of metal cups, chained together with a hole in the bottom of each, or chain links that span vertically.  Rain water run-off gets distributed from a rooftop gutter downward through the rain chain.