One of the sounds traditionally associated with Christmas is the sound of church bells. Church bells have long been used to announce important events or to bring people to the church for services (or in days gone by for protection). During the two World Wars church bells were not rung at all, the exception being to warn of an invasion.
Church bells in the UK are usually rung by teams of people, who ring ‘changes’ on the bells, these ‘changes’ are often very complicated and take quite a while to learn (as Frances knows from experience). Originally the men of the parish performed this task, but in more recent times many women and children have taken up the challenge and in some cases the whole family are bellringers. If you are interested in the history of bellringing follow this link.
Bells are traditionally rung on Christmas morning to proclaim the birth of Christ, as well as to ring out the Old Year and ring in the New Year. This probably stemmed from more pagan times when bells were used in many winter rituals. However to anyone who has ever experienced it, the sound of Church bells drifting over snowy fields or streets, is a truly magical part of Christmas.