“Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” are just a few of the Christmas songs that mention bells.
But bells don’t just chime in carols. Sleigh bells, hand bells, church bells – even Salvation Army bells – ring throughout the holiday season.
The History of the Bell
Metal bells most likely were first created in China during the Bronze Age, around 2000 BCE. From the earliest times, bells featured frequently in religious and spiritual ceremonies. It was also believed the sound of a bell could frighten away evil spirits.
The Catholic church incorporated bells into its rites as early as the fifth century. By the Middle Ages, bells tolled regularly, announcing the canonical hours of prayer and calling Christians to Mass. Bells also rang to mark births, deaths and feast days.
Since the bells could be heard for a long distance, they often were used as a form of communication. Bells could warn of an attack or fire, or summon citizens to hear important news.
Each church had its own distinctive bell or series of bells and the schedule by which they rang created an audible structure for the day.
The fact that church bells often were named, blessed and even baptized led to several legends.
Given the importance of bells to both urban and rural communities throughout history, it's easy to understand why some of the earliest Christmas carols featured bells.
Christmas Bells are Ringing!
It’s also no surprise that, as bells were used in celebration, they would ring out to observe that most joyous of feast days, Christmas Day.
These days, bells are not as integral to our daily lives. Given cell phones and smart home technology, we are more likely to mark time with a buzzing sound or music than by chiming.
However, bells are still rung at church during Christmas and throughout the year and bell Christmas ornaments, sleigh bell decorations and other bell-themed holiday decor continue as part of our Christmas celebrations.
These decorations remind us of the joyful noise that has served as a backdrop to Christmas for centuries and remain a beautiful symbol of the season.