The traditions related to bells have always been deeply rooted in Christianity and Christmas bells have been an integral part of the celebration of Christmas all across the globe. The tradition of related bells on Christmas Eve has undergone various changes and evolution over the years. However, has anyone ever wondered how the traditions of Christmas bells originated? This article brings you everything you need to know about the traditions of Christmas bells and their origin story as well as the cultural significance of bells on Christmas.
Traditions Of Christmas Bells: Origin Story
The origin story of bells being affiliated with Christianity and Christmas dates back to the time of St. Patrick who used to ring bells in order to gather people from the nearby local areas and share the biblical teachings with them. This led to the ringing of bells being connected to the word of the Lord and became an integral part of the religious practices. After St. Patrick, people all across the globe started ringing bells in the churches in order to call people from the local vicinity for prayers, praise, or other religious activities.
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Traditions Of Christmas Bells: The Victorian Era Evolution
Fast forward to the Victorian era, the use of bells in Christianity evolved significantly. Across the United Kingdom, the women of the Victorian era started using little handheld bells for singing carols on the streets during Advent week. They would chime along with their melodious voices as they sang praises of their Lord. Sometimes, they would also just walk around the streets holding bells and not sing just to keep up with the newly formed tradition, but it was significant that everyone took an active part in the tradition whether or not they could sing. Bells quickly became one of the most important parts of the Advent season in the Victorian era, and the affiliation of different kinds of bells with Christmas and Christianity was now firm.
Various Traditions Related To Bells
There are various traditions that are famous across the globe related to bells and Christmas. In earlier times, some people believed that ringing bells would help them drive out any kind of demons, while others used bells as a form of communication in the communities. Bells were also used to call people for prayers and praises. However, the main tradition related to Christmas bells is that they are rung in churches on Christmas Eve in order to mark the beginning of the Christmas Eve service after sunset.
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Modern-Day Significance Of Bells On Christmas
Apart from religious traditions, Bells have also been a part of Christmas celebrations across households. Families use bells in order to decorate their Christmas trees as well as their houses signifying the importance of bells in Christianity. In today’s day and age, people love hanging small bells on their doorsteps as decorations on the holy occasion and also use them for singing Christmas carols.
