The U.S. Bell Command issues bell ringing guidance set forth at the Synod on State Ceremonial and Campanological Protocol in the United States. These guidelines are not intended to restrict or replace bell ringing anywhere, but have been collected to provide helpful guidance for bells looking to participate in moments of national significance.
Have a local bell ringing tradition? Share it with us! We’d love to hear how you and your community make it ring. We also welcome questions that might be unique to your particular bell or tower configuration. Below are some common questions we receive.
How do you muffle a bell?
Muffles are leather pads fitted to a bell’s clapper to reduce the volume. They attenuate the bell’s strike note while retaining the hum. By only muffling the clapper on one side (half muffled), you get an ‘echo’ effect as blows are alternately loud and soft. The loud "open" strike followed by a muffled strike has a very sonorous and mournful echo effect. Attention should be paid to affix the muffles securely so as to prevent rotation around the clapper during ringing. Two muffles can be fitted, one on each side of the clapper, to fully muffle the bell.
Why 13 tolls?
Several of the guidelines indicate a toll of 13 strikes at a designated time, most often 1:00pm.
- The number 13 references the original 13 colonies that composed the United States.
- 1:00pm is the 13th hour of the day and is 13:00 on a 24-hr. clock.
- Most bell towers strike once at 1:00pm. The uniqueness of hearing 13 tolls arrests the attention of the listener and invites them to pause and consider.
What is a peal?
In change ringing, a peal refers to a specific and extended sequence of changes rung on a set of tuned bells. Traditionally, a full peal involves ringing at least 5,040 unique permutations, or “changes,” on seven or more bells without repetition – a performance that typically lasts around three hours. In the art of change ringing, a peal is both a technical achievement and a test of endurance, precision, and teamwork among ringers. The term can also more broadly describe the sound of any number of bells rung together in harmony, such as for a celebration or church service.
Can my bell or bell tower participate?
Yes! All bells and bell towers are welcome and invited to participate, from a single handheld bell on a front porch to a grand carillon in a multistory tower.
Do I have to ring for the full time?
Sometimes, guidelines establish a set duration for when bells should ring. If it's not practicable for you or your bell to ring for the entire time, that is no problem. Pause and restart when you'd like, or call it quits when you need.
What if my bell isn't able to ring as directed?
Your participation is what's most important. It's alright if you modify or adapt your ringing to suit the ringer, the bell, the tower, or local customs.
For bells that play music (carillons, chimes, and handbells), variance in repertoire is expected. Consideration should be given to selecting alternate pieces that are appropriate to the occasion and authentic to the presenting institution.
Some bells are sounded electronically, without the presence of a bell ringer. These installations are welcome to participate in national observances, as their technological limitations allow.
What if the guidelines conflict with other traditions or practices?
The protocols offer guidance to bell ringers wanting to participate in national commemorations. Local traditions, whether municipal, liturgical, or individual to a specific bell or tower, may still be observed.
Cover image: A man rings three bells within an old stone belfry.
