[Idyllchat] Church bells

[Ronnie B. Peters]

Well, it looks as we have indeed found a new subject.

On our very first Untours trip many years ago, we opened the shutters of the 
bedroom window in our apt. in Lungern and could hardly believe the sight of 
the beautiful old church there, which looked almost close enough to reach 
out and touch. Then, it seemed even closer early the next morning when the 
bells began to ring--and ring--and ring. One day I counted well over 300 
peals.  Was it sometimes a bit annoying--yes--but we became very accustomed 
to the sound and found they added to the ambience of life in a small Swiss 
town.  I actually missed them for a few days after returning home, and later 
wished that, like one Idyller, I had recorded their ringing.

The bells in Europe are also often rung when someone in the village passes 
away to let the people know of a death in the community.  You will remember, 
of course, that years ago, churches in America had bells which were rung on 
Sunday mornings to let people it was time for church and for very special 
occasions.  Perhaps we could benefit from the return of such sounds and 
traditions here in the U.S.

Margaret Peters