They called them «death bells» or the bells of the dead. It is true that today this curious tradition has been lost in the echo of the times, in that past rooted in fear and tradition.
They were very common throughout the Middle Ages, and depending on the country we were in, they had one purpose or another. In Scotland, for example, it was common to accompany the funeral with the ringing of bells, and later to install one on the deceased’s own tombstone, so that the soul of the deceased would not be clouded by evil presences and spirits.
In other places, the purpose of these bells was somewhat more practical and even necessary. Will you join us for this brief walk through the cemeteries?
«Saved by the Bell»
We are sure that on more than one occasion you have used the expression «saved from the bell.» For many historians this phrase has its origin in the Middle Ages. During this time, when someone died, it was common for the body to be in the family’s home for two days to ensure that the person was truly dead. It is what we all know as a «wake».
After that time, he was taken to the cemetery. But it must be said that at this time the cemeteries were not very large, the deaths were numerous and searches were made first and foremost. save space. To do this, the coffins and any bones that might be inside were removed to replace one body with another. Next, if the family wanted it, the wrist of the deceased was held with a thread that passed through a hole in the coffin to the outside, to finally tie it to a bell that remained above the ground.
If the bell moved, the body was quickly disinterred. Obviously if you were lucky enough that someone, by chance, saw it. According to historical records the «bell of the dead»» saved some lives, especially if the deceased had not gone through the two days of “wake”. A practical idea that was lost over time.
The bells of the dead in England and Scotland
The figure of bells has always had a strong tradition linked to the supernatural. The simple act of turning them over helps us to scare away bad spirits, evil presences who dare to approach a holy place or the body of a person who has just died.
According to tradition, witches had the custom of using a type of bell to invoke the devil himself Depending on whether these had been blessed or not, they could be used for one purpose or another. For the English and Scots, it was customary to celebrate funerals by shaking the bells through the streets to scare away any evil or vengeful presence, especially if the deceased had been a benefactor of the Church.
They also hired a «bell ringer»» so that he would go through towns, farms and villages, announcing the name of the dead. He was paid per kilometer traveled, so, surely, it was convenient for him to make long journeys by turning his bell. Something very common in the east of Scotland throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
But this pilgrimage did not end here. Once the body was buried, it was installed in a corner of the tombstone, a small bell. On this occasion, the purpose was not so practical, the objective was still spiritual. Every time the wind stirred them, it ensured that the soul of the dead remained protected from the attack of evil presences from beyond.
Nowadays it is no longer common to see bells in cemeteries. A curious tradition with a certain charm that is always worth remembering. And now tell us, is there some kind of similar custom in the history of your country? If you liked this article, we will return soon with new information about the traditions associated with burials.
Meanwhile, we leave you to discover the 5 most beautiful cemeteries in the world.