Copper Rain Chains: What Are They and Why Are They Important

A Brief Look into History and the Actual Role of Rain Chains

Rain chains have been seen in Japanese residences and temples since long time ago. In simple words, a rain chain (ordinarily called “Kusari-toi” in Japan) is a “type” of downspout that hangs vertically from lateral gutters on roofs and is designed to guide rainwater to the ground. Common vertical downspouts are usually made of plastic, aluminum, or cast iron pipes, not displaying the flow of water on its journey from the roof to the ground; on the other hand, rain chains are a functional ornament (downspout replacement) that provide a visual spectacle for people as the rainwater trickles down the chain, from cup to cup, all the way down to the ground or a rain barrel.

“Kusari-toi” is also a form of Japanese architecture implemented when building tea-houses for performing tea ceremonies approximately between 1558-1600 A.C. During this period, Tea masters preferred rustic and mundane decoration over formality and splendor, making natural elements the favorite choice. As a result, similar variations can be seen in “Kusari-toi” (rain chains) during this time, as fibers from the outer layer of hemp-palms were woven into a rope called Shuro-nawa and were hung from the bamboo or wood eaves so that rainwater could run down the rope to the ground, giving birth to the first versions of rain chains to ever exist.

As time passed, downspouts, formerly made from materials as bamboo or wood, evolved to metals such as copper. Rain chains also evolved from the rustic Shuro-nawa ropes to metal chains and further adding cups to it for improved water flow, a designed that is currently present in Golden Canary Copper Rain Chains.

And why are copper rain chains important now? Why are they suddenly appearing in more and more homes if they existed centuries ago?

It’s a fact now that several countries are about to encounter serious water challenges during the next few years; but why wait if one the states of the United States of America is an actual case: California.

In addition to the decorative purpose of rain chains or its main function of directing water from gutters on the roof to the ground, they were also thought to serve as a way to store rainwater by directing it to a rain barrel or basin; which is the case for many people who live in California and have the need to do so as a way to conserve water, the most precious resource.

But using a copper rain chain for the previously described purpose is even better than most people know. First, if the item is made of genuine copper like Golden Canary’s, it will give houses a unique antique touch as it starts to develop a patina over time. Second, copper is a natural element present in and essential to plants, animals, and humans and the green patina it develops acts as an algaecide and fungicide with obvious advantages for rainwater harvesting. In fact, plants will actually grow better if watered with this harvested rainwater, as it has a balanced pH and is free of chemicals such as chlorine (usually found in tap water).

In a world where drinking water is soon to be a scarce resource and vegetables are grown with numerous pesticides and fertilizers, copper rain chains appear to be great alternative to conserve water by collecting it in a rain barrel and an amazing way to provide home grown plants and veggies with nutrient rich, chemical free water for an optimum produce. And let’s not forget, all these while replacing a boring downspout with a beautiful copper item.