“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Bells of Christmas...




The significance of bells at Christmas.



Have you ever wondered why there are so many bells at Christmas time? Bell ringing arose from ancient roots.  Ringing bells can be traced back to some pagan winter festivals.  Bells and other noisemakers were thought to scare away evil spirits in the dark, long, winter nights.  Bells were often used as a warning of some impending threat or to gather people together. 







Some lovely Silver Bells















Bells adorn many cards both vintage and modern.










People began to have so much fun ringing bells they were incorporated into many other events.  They began ringing them to announce the coming of an activity, event or special occasion. They ring for good times and bad.  Bells ring out announcements  for weddings, births and deaths.  The bells became a standard method of communication and are almost always found in churches.










Church bells began to be used during Christmas to announce the arrival of the season and to proclaim the birth of Christ. The cheerful tones of bells blended well  with the music and sounds of the holiday season.  We still enjoy bells today and they play an important and traditional role during the holidays. Here are a few bells from my collection and a few I found on Pinterest. Enjoy!









Don't you all love the sound of jingle bells at Christmas? I know I do!













For Louise, in Memory of Mr. White.

Bells were often used as a warning and here is one for you. If you have pets, please read the post here about antifreeze poisoning. It is most prevalent at this time of year. This is a sad post, but there are links to vital information for pet lovers.








This looks like such a cozy spot. I would love to walk right into this picture and 
settle in next to the fireplace!



I hope you enjoyed visiting today and learned a little about the meaning of bells in our lives. Remember in the movie "A Wonderful Life", the little girls says something like, "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings." Well at Christmas time there must be many angels getting their wings! I think we can always use a few more angels. What do you think?

~ Joyful Greetings ~ Diane







7 comments:

  1. Diane, I have been going crazy looking for those little angel bells. I had them since I was a baby and this year they have gone MIA!!!! I love bells around the house this time of year (my birds love bells too). xo

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  2. What a lovely and interesting post Diane. I agree with you that little cosy corner looks very inviting. I also just love those little vintage angels - they are oh so cute.

    Thanks for the Christmas wishes. Hope your Christmas is wonderful as well - Sharon

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  3. The bell is always around in the Christmas season, yet I have not given it its due as you have. The slight ring i always pleasant whether on an animal or not. The kitty card in memory of Mr. White shows a sweet kitty, his bell ringing as he approaches it family members for some attention. Beautiful!

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  4. I just love Carol of the Bells! Nice post!
    Sherry

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  5. I love the sound of church bells, but hate they are mostly recorded and computerized now. The sound is so much different then when I was little. And hearing a bell choir during the Christmas season is soooo wonderful.
    Debbi
    - ourhometoyours

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  6. Oh my goodness....I never knew any of this background on the use of bells. How so very interesting. And along with this info, you've shared some fabulous images for our eye candy.

    ATCHAFALAYA SWAMP PHOTOS is my link for today. Hope you can find time to visit with me.

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