History of the Chinese Gong
The gong is a type of musical instrument thought to have originated in China, though the actual word "gong" comes from Javanese. Though they sprang from Asia, they eventually spread to Europe. Gongs come in several different styles and types, and this ancient instrument has a long, rich history, and significant cultural importance, going back to 2000 BCE or before.
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Types
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Gongs come in three major types: flat, knobbed, and bowl or kettle. The different shapes change the sound of the gong, and some cultures actually use multiple gongs of different sizes to create music. Bowl-shaped gongs provide a deeper sound, while flat ones offer a sharper, more metallic tone. A knobbed gong, with a raised central knob (or boss), may make a different noise depending on where it is struck.
History
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Chinese historical documents first mention gongs during the reign of Hsuan Wu, around 500 CE. These documents attribute the gong to a country called Hsi Yu, located between what are now Tibet and Myanmar/Burma. Gong development occurred in four main locations: China, Java, Burma and Annam, and at least seven different gong shapes and sound structures developed.
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Significance
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Gongs have traditionally been a symbol of wealth and status in China and the rest of Asia. Gong making was originally a family tradition, and it was believed that gongs sounded with the assistance of supernatural powers. Gongs have been used in rituals to communicate with ghosts and to exorcise demons. Touching gongs was thought to bring strength and good luck, and owning one signified status and money.
Use
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Gongs were used as musical instruments to accompany celebrations, funerals, theatrical productions and in orchestras. Multiple gongs can be used to provide many different notes, creating a wide range of sounds. Gongs also played an important part in religious rituals and are still used to call Buddhist groups to gather for meditation practice.
Time Frame
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The Chinese gong is no longer limited to China. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Roman civilization used gongs by around 100 CE. Flat gongs have spread throughout East Asia, while knobbed gongs are common in Southeast Asia. Western orchestras have used flat Chinese gongs, referred to as tam-tams, since about the 1790s. Some 20th century orchestral music also uses the deep kettle gong.
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References
- Photo Credit gong image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
