Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1919 — Bells, Originally Used to Clear Air of Evil Spirits [ARTICLE]

Bells, Originally Used to Clear Air of Evil Spirits

The use of bells originated in superstition. They were first used in China a great many centuries ago, and their original purpose was to dispel and clear the air of “evil spirits,” also to break up and drive away storms. From China bells were eventually introduced into Europe. Old records tell us how the tolling of bells kept the “spirits of darkness” from assailing people while in the act of worship. Hence tfce collection of bells with churches. It was only a comparatively recent date that bells were used for calling the people to church. For ages they were designed solely for keeping evil spirits at a safe distance.