Bells

The origin of the bell may be directly traced to the rattle used by primitive man in religious ceremonies. All primitive worship has been by dramatic presentation in the so-called proce ional dances of savages, designed to present the myth and ritual concerned in the worship. Hence for the accentuation of the words and music, and for the unification of the action in these performances, rattles, the prototypes on the one hand of bells, and fringes of shells, hoofs, or other hollow objects, the immediate ancestors of bells, were constantly used. The latter first worn on the person, then transferred to the hand, and finally used on the ends of batons or staves, have been the direct forerunners of bells, and from their universal use in primitive times among all people in connection with worship has undoubtedly descended the historic use of bells in connection with religious and other ceremonies. Used in religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt, As syria, and Palestine, also in Greek camps and Roman baths. Adopted by the Christians for calling to church about the 4th century. Introduced into France 550, England 680, Switzerland and Germany 11th century. Rung as defense against thunderstorms by. order of Pope John ab. 900. Baptism of ch. bells dates from 10th century.