«The bells of the dead» a tradition from the aftermath

They called them the "bells of death" 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 according to the country we were in, they had one purpose or another.In Scotland, for example, it was common to accompany the funeral with the sound of the bells, for later, install one in the deceased's own tombstone, so that the soul of the deceased was not clouded by evil presences and spirits.

In other places, the purpose of these bells was somewhat more practical and even necessary.Are you joining us for this short walk through the cemeteries ?

«Saved by the bell »

We are sure that on more than one occasion you will 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.that we all know as a "wake".

After that time, he was taken to the cemetery, but it is possible to say that at this time the cemeteries were not very wide, the deaths were numerous and the search was first of all save space. To do this, the coffins and bones that could be inside were removed to replace one body with another.Then, if the family wanted to, the wrist of the deceased was held with a thread that it passed through a hole in the coffin to the outside, to finally tie it to a bell that was left over the earth.

«The bells of the dead» a tradition from the aftermath

If the bell moved, and quickly proceeded to dig up the body.Obviously if you were lucky enough that someone, by chance, saw it.According to historical records the "bell of the dead " except for the odd life, 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 the bells have always had a strong tradition linked to the supernatural.The simple fact of turning them helps us to drive away the evil spirits, the evil presences who dare to approach a holy place or the body of a person who has just died.

According to tradition, witches used to use a type of bells to invoke the very devil. Depending on whether they had been blessed or not , could be used for one purpose or another.For the English and Scots, it was ha It is common to celebrate funerals by waving the bells through the streets in order to frighten any evil or vindictive presence, especially if the deceased had been a benefactor of the Church.

«The bells of the dead» a tradition from the aftermath

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