Photo by Brown Paper Parcel Photography via Anna Campbell
Where does the Bell Ringing Ritual Originate?
Dating back to Ireland during the Penal Times (1695 to 1829), this traditional custom originates to when church weddings were banned in Ireland. Instead, people would get married in barns and cottages and their guests brought along bells to ring at the end of the ceremony to wish the newlywed couple good luck and bring prosperity to their marriage, as a substitute for the ringing of church bells.
The ringing of a bell on a couple’s wedding day is also said to ward off any potential evil spirits, but bells have long been gifted to newlyweds to act as ‘make-up bells’ to be rung during an argument to disrupt the discord!
How to do a Bell Ringing Ritual?
This is a ceremony ritual that does require a bit of planning, and lots of enthusiastic audience participation, but the final effect is magical as you close out your ceremony with a chorus of bells. Needless to say any kids in attendance particularly enjoy this ritual. First, you need to choose what bells you want to use and we have some suggestions below:
Photo by WeddingPros Via Etsy
When to Ring Your Bell
There are a couple of options for when to encourage your guests to start ringing their bells. The first option is when your celebrant or solemniser pronouces you married, when a cheer will usually go up amongst the crowd anyway. Alternatively you can ask your guests to ring their bells at the end of the ceremony, as you walk down the aisle. They can also be used as an alternative to confetti, as you’re exiting. The choice is yours!
Want to learn more about wedding traditions you can include in your wedding ceremony? Take a look at our Ultimate List of Wedding Ceremony Rituals.
This content was originally published here.