This is a sleigh bell that produces a “jingle” sound, especially
in large quantities. The simplest bells
were produced using a single piece of sheet metal that was bent into a sphere. A glass marble or small ball bearing was
placed inside to make it jingle.
Jingle Bells from Wikipedia
This type of bell was produced centuries ago to fasten to the harnesses of horses that pulled carriages, or sleighs. The motion would make the bells jingle. The bell would warn pedestrians that a vehicle was coming so they could step aside to avoid any collision. A sleigh would be silent in the snow and not able to stop quickly on the slick surface.
This is a jingle bell instrument (courtesy of Wikipedia)
Today the bells are used around the holidays and fashioned into wreaths. They even sell smaller versions in the craft stores for making decorations. Of course you know what I use those for – making cat toys.
Bet the cats enjoy the toys you make out of the bells.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Betty,
DeleteThe cats love any toys that have bells and make noice. It's really nice when they adopt one of the homemade ones as a special toy for a while. It makes it worthwhile making them stuff.
Sunni
Too bad you didn't put a picture up of those toys too. I would like to have then seem.
ReplyDeletehttp://enchantedfantasies.blogspot.com/
Thea,
DeleteI should have taken a pic of a toy to post too, but didn't have the time to round any up.
Sunni
They're also used as a musical instrument. Well, specifically for that one Christmas song... I can't recall the title at the moment, but I remember they'd get the jingle bells out for it.
ReplyDeleteLiz,
DeleteThat's probably why they decided to make an instrument out of the bells.
Sunni