History of the Gong

A gong is an ancient musical instrument that originated in Asia. The origins of the gong have been traced as far back as 2000 B.C. However, it is believed that the gong was used long before this time. The gong was important to the people of Asia, and this continues to be so today. In the past, owning a gong was a sign of wealth. Its power of positive energy could bring you good fortune. The power could be obtained simply by touching it. The gong falls into three general groups: suspended gongs, bowl gongs and bossed gongs.

History

Chinese history traces the gong's origins to around 500 AD. The origins occurred during the reign of Emporer Hsuan Wu. The regions of China, Javan, Burma and Annam generated seven different gong shapes, with unique sounds. Only a few artisans knew how to make a gong, and this knowledge stayed within families who later passed it along from one generation to the next. Gong artisans believed that the instrument would succeed only through the help of higher beings, and this belief created an aura of magic about gongs.

Time Frame

Other nations throughout the world also began using the gong. During an excavation in Wiltshire, England around 100 AD, a Roman gong was found. Around 900 AD the gong was developed in Java, where the word 'gong' originated. In the late Middle Ages, the gong was introduced in Western Europe.

Considerations

The gong most familiar to Westerners is the 'chau gong.' A large chau gong is called 'tam-tam' and is now part of the percussion section of the symphony orchestra. The chau gong is made of bronze or copper-based alloy. The first Chau gong was found in a Chinese tomb from the early Western Han Dynasty ( 207BC to AD25). One of the early uses of the chau gong was to clear a path for important officials during a procession. The number of times the gong was struck indicated the official's seniority. This prevented officials meeting unexpectedly on the road would know before the meeting which of them should bow down before the other. The tam-tam was first introduced into western culture in the 1790s.

Features

In ancient times and today, the gong is used to start sumo wrestling contests. Some gongs are loud enough to be heard from 50 miles away, and were used to signal peasants in from the fields. Today, gongs are used in contemporary music along with different types of friction instruments, such as bass bows and different hammers to create the desired effects

Effects

Use of the gong exists in ways today that are identical to those in the past, a testimony to its impact on society. In Asian cultures, the gong is an important part of celebrations, weddings, funeral ceremonies, plays and opera. The gamelan ensembles of Indonesia, an ancient style of music that predates the Buddhist culture, prominently features the gong today as it did in the past. Buddhism today uses the gong to begin meditation practice and to call group members to gather, as it has in the past.

Resources

• History of the gong
• Gong history and types