Why the Bell is a Symbol of Christmas
When you think of Christmas your head is most likely immediately filled with thoughts of ribbons and holly leaves, bright red berries and small elves, Santa Claus and fir trees; but have you ever wondered how these things really came to represent the holiday? There are interesting stories behind many Christmas symbols, one such story being that of the bell.
Although Christmas began as a Pagan festival, like many other elements the bells represent something of Christianity. The bells are meant to represent thecoming of the Christ child. During traditional Pagan winter festivals, noisemakers, including bells would be rung to frighten away demons. The bells provided a pleasant sound and atmosphere for churches and as a symbol for the birth of Christ once this began as a Christian holiday.
Bells in general are meant to represent an arrival or event, sometimes an occasion. For good or bad times they ring out. Many other occasions are represented by bells. The New Year is accompanied by bells ringing, as are marriages in some parts of the world.
In today’s modern Christmas celebration, many don’t think of the bells as Pagan or Christian, or of representing anything other than the season itself. Hearing them is simply a nice part of the celebration. Santa’s sleigh, the church bells ringing, adorning our trees and mantles, they’re a big part of how many celebrate the season, even if you don’t notice them too much.
The tradition of bells is treated differently from country to country. Although many groups celebrate Christmas, the bells might play a slightly different role than you’d be used to. In Norway people begin ringing bells 4:30 sharp on Christmas Eve, while in England the time is 11:00 PM. In Sweden the entire family gathers to ring hand bells for the holiday. It might mean slightly different things but the tradition is widespread.
Bells are a popular theme in Christmas carols and music. Songs like Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, andCarol of the Bellshave stood the test of time and continue to be a special part of many families’ holiday. Around the holidays school bell choirs or student shows are put on in busy shopping centers or crowded school auditoriums to help with the Christmas atmosphere.
So next time you hear a festive Christmas bell ringing, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind it. Some like to think of it as a symbol of Christianity and others prefer to think of it as a nice part of the holiday season. Neither view is wrong and both are accurate meanings behind the Christmas bell.
