Witch bells folklore refers to the belief that hanging bells near doorways or windows can ward off evil spirits or witches. This practice can be found in various cultures and has been passed down through generations as a form of protection against supernatural forces. The origins of witch bells folklore can be traced back to medieval Europe, particularly in areas where witchcraft was heavily feared. It was believed that the sound of bells had the power to break spells and protect against malicious spirits. By hanging bells in doorways and windows, people hoped to create a barrier that would keep witches from entering their homes. In addition to their protective properties, witch bells were also believed to summon good spirits and bring luck.
In addition to their protective properties, witch bells were also believed to summon good spirits and bring luck. Some folklore suggests that when a bell rings, it scares away negative energy and attracts positive vibrations. This idea has inspired the use of bells in various rituals and ceremonies aimed at creating a harmonious and safe environment.
Bells in Witchcraft
Bells are repellers of witches and evil spirits. Bells are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and the celestial vault. The sound vibrations created by the ringing of bells have been believed for centuries to possess magical and/or spiritual power. Bells are used in many religious rites. In Wicca and Paganism, small hand bells may be rung in rituals to enhance harmony and augment power. In African religions and Vodun, bells and dancing are used to invoke the gods and has (see African witchcraft). Shamans have long used magical bells in their rituals to chase away evil spirits.
In folk magic, the ringing of bells drives away evil spirits, witches and the Devil himself, and wards off the Evil Eye. Bells have been attached to clothing, worn as amulets, tied to children and hung from the necks of horses, camels, cows, asses and other animals important to a community.
As fertility charms, bells have been worn on human phalluses in certain rites. Bells are sometimes said to have curative powers; medicine is drunk from them. In the Middle Ages, bell ringing was believed to clear the air of disease and was prescribed by some doctors. Bells also have been used to raise the spirits of the dead and Fairies.
Since the fifth century C.E., Christian church bells have been ascribed a special magical potency to combat evil and chase off the wicked spirits that lurked on every church threshold. In the Middle Ages, on nights when witches were believed to be about, such as Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve) and Beltane (also known as Walpurgisnacht), church bells were rung to keep the witches from flying over a village. The townspeople also turned out and added to the noise by banging on pots and pans and ringing their own bells. In witch trials, accused witches testified to being transported through the air to Sabbats on the backs of Demons or the Devil, and to being thrown off to fall to the ground when a church bell sounded in the night.
Thunder and lightning storms were believed to be the work of witches and Demons, and church bells also would be rung at an approaching storm in an attempt to dispel it. At someone’s death, the tolling of the church bells helped the departing soul on its way to heaven and prevented evil spirits from interfering with the journey.
Church bells were baptized, named for saints and in some cases, ascribed human characteristics. Some were said to talk, ring on their own and sweat blood at the invasion of their community. Medieval Europeans believed that their church bells travelled to Rome on Good Friday; everyone stayed inside so as not to witness their flight from the belfries. A bell that missed the Good Friday pilgrimage brought bad luck to the community.
Shopkeepers hung bells over their thresholds, not so much to alert them to the entry of customers but to keep evil spirits from entering their premises.
The Necromantic Bell of Giradius.
Bells have been used in rituals for summoning the dead. One such necromantic bell is that of Giradius. Eighteenth-century French instructions specified that the bell be cast from an alloy of gold, silver, fixed mercury, tin, iron and lead at the exact day and hour of birth of the person who intends to use it.
The bell was to be inscribed with various astrological symbols and the magical words of Adonai, Jesus and the Tetragrammaton (see names of power). The bell was to be wrapped in green taffeta and placed in the middle of a grave in a cemetery. It was to be left for seven days, during which time it absorbed certain vibrations and emanations. At the end of a week, the bell was properly “cured” for necromancy rituals.
FURTHER READING:
- Farrar, Janet, and Stewart Farrar. A Witches Bible Compleat. New York: Magickal Childe, 1984.
- Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1971.
Charm - a coral anchor on a ring with 2 shell fishes and a shell heart.
The use of witch bells can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Japan and India. In Japanese folklore, wind chimes are hung outside homes to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Similarly, in India, bells are often installed in temples and religious places to create a sacred atmosphere and ward off negative energies. Today, witch bells continue to be used in some cultures as a symbol of protection and good luck. They are often seen as decorative items, with the belief that they will not only add charm to a space but also provide spiritual and supernatural protection. Overall, witch bells folklore is a fascinating aspect of traditional belief systems around the world. It showcases the human desire for protection against supernatural forces and the creative ways in which people have sought to guard themselves against perceived threats..
Reviews for "Witch Bells in Different Cultures: A Comparative Study"
1. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Witch Bells Folklore". The storytelling felt jumbled and disjointed, making it hard to follow the plot. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, making the book drag on. Overall, this book didn't live up to the hype for me, and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Witch Bells Folklore" based on the intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was overly simplistic and lacked complexity, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader. The climax of the story also felt rushed and predictable, failing to deliver any sense of excitement or surprise. While it had potential, the execution of this book left much to be desired.
3. Alex - ★★☆☆☆
I was struggling to find what the appeal of "Witch Bells Folklore" was supposed to be. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The plot lacked substance and twists, making the whole story feel flat and uninteresting. Additionally, the world-building was weak, and I had a hard time immersing myself in the story. Overall, this book just didn't capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.