Still Remember What This Is?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many people had a small ornamental box lined with red satin. Inside of it lay two smooth metal spheres (usually with a sun painted on one and a moon on the other). These balls were called  Baoding Balls, a Chinese implement for hand therapy that had been around for many centuries. They had suddenly found their way into the minds and hearts of many westerners, in homes and offices.

Ancient Origins and Modern Revival

Baoding Balls originated in  Baoding, China, during the Ming Dynasty. They were originally made of solid iron and used for promoting strength in the fingers. They also improved coordination and circulation. Twirling them about in the hand leaves the mind empty. This helps stimulate points that can be traced along the acupressure meridian points, as defined in traditional Chinese medicine.

Their resuscitation in the west during this period is coincident with the growing interest in eastern methods. These methods were for obtaining wealth, health, and tranquility of mind. Baoding Balls became popular because they offered tranquility to the senses. Their peculiar shape, similar to a ping pong ball wrapped in a thin membrane of iron, intrigued many.

Chiming and Soothing

Each one includes a small, internal chime. This causes it to emit a soft sound when rotated about its axis. The smooth motion of twirling the balls about in one hand leads to a meditative exercise. This is very refreshing and calming to many. As a stress-relieving device, the Baoding Balls were always kept on the desk, coffee table, or nightstand. They were kept within easy reach for quick retrieval when one needed a bit of fresh air.

From Kiosks to Living Rooms

Baoding Balls were generally sold in import stores, in kiosks in the malls, and in gift shops. They came in ornamental boxes covered with fabric. These boxes were sometimes embroidered with old carvings and insignia of ancient Chinese artistry. The sets came in a variety of beautiful designs such as dragons and celestial bodies. This made them a good gift and also allowed the receivers to take pride in owning them as heirlooms.

The rise in fame of Baoding Balls coincided with greater public curiosity about eastern philosophies. These philosophies included meditation and wellness aims. The use of incense and lava lamps, and Baoding Balls, became an integral part of the visual memories of this era.

A Personal Item for Reflection

Many find Baoding Balls associated with childhood memories, particularly the parents’ home office and moments of quiet contemplation. Many had inherited Baoding Balls from relatives. This obviously added sentimental value to the items, in addition to their useful purpose. Their weight, sound, and texture were excellent for worrying continuously about things. These were pretty well lost to the world long before the word mindfulness became a popular motif among certain groups.

A Small Symbol of the Good Old Days

Baoding Balls are more than mere novelties. They represent a few short moments in the lives of any generation. This is a time when simple things are used for relaxation of spirit and calmness of mental activity. Their shape, history, and presence in homes of intelligent, middle-class people from 1990 to 2000 added to their esteem. They also contributed to the nostalgic memories of people engaged in such reflections.