Hells Bells Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tintinnabulum

Usually found in Roman Catholic basilicas, the tintinnabulum is a small bell that is used to lead processions in the church. It signifies that church's loyalty and religious link to the Pope. It is often decorated with the symbols of a crown and the keys to Heaven.

The tintinnabulum has been used for centuries and at one time was used in public to alert commoners to the approach of the Pope.

Answer: Leprosy

The term 'lepers bell' refers to the small bell that lepers were required to carry as a warning to others that they were approaching. Refusal to do so could result in a death sentence. The lepers bells that are found in modern museums are simple objects without any decoration. They are a symbol of the use of bells for reasons other than music or celebration.

Answer: Foundry

A foundry is an establishment that makes cast metal objects. Bell makers were usually specialists who worked at the foundry. Not all bells are cast metal. Some bells are made of porcelain, glass, and even wood. These are usually small bells that were made in small home workshops. The ability to make bells with specific tones takes great skill and years of apprenticeship.

Answer: At a funeral

More commonly known as a dead bell, this type of hand bell was used at funerals in the Middle Ages. The ringing of bells was believed to frighten demons and other evil spirits. For centuries, bells were baptized before their first use. This was done to ensure that bell had the power to ward off evil. Funeral processions were often loud affairs with multiple people ringing bells and praying for the soul of the departed.

The bell in this picture is a Scottish deid bell from 1641.

Answer: Jacquemart

Jacquemarts (also spelled Jaquemart) are usually part of clocks or clock towers which contain both clocks and bells. They are also called "Jack of the Clock". These are used on bells that are rang to tell time as opposed to making music or sending an alarm. Most jacquemarts are very old and ornate and found high in the bell tower.

Answer: Carillon

A carillon is a set an instrument that is made of multiple bells, each one making a different note. This is an example of the use of a bell to make music. The photo shows one type of carillon known as a Telharmonium. It is a cross between a piano and a set of bells. Pushing the keys or pedals causes certain bells to be struck. Carillons come in many styles and are often found in bell towers.

A carillons musical range is only limited by how many bells it has and notes can be played singly or as chords.

Answer: Campanology

Campanology is the proper name for the study of bells. It includes how bells are made, tuned, and played. The historical uses, cultural traditions, and differences in construction are also included.

Answer: Tubular bell

Tubular bells come in a set and are usually suspended on a frame and struck with a rawhide or plastic hammer instead of having a clapper inside. Each one plays a different note depending on the length of the tube. Tubular bells can be very elaborate or as simple as a set of wind chimes.

Answer: Clapper

The long piece of metal (usually) that hangs suspended inside the bell is the clapper. The clapper strikes the side of the bell causing it to ring. The clapper is usually slightly longer than the bell and often has a rope attached it to assist with ringing...especially if the bell is overhead.

Answer: A large piece broke off

Today the Tsar Bell sits in Moscow near the Kremlin wall. What it would have sounded like will never be known as is broke while it was being cast and has never been rung. This huge bell weighs 445,170lb (201,924 kilograms) and is 20.1 ft. (6.14 meters) tall. To get an idea of how huge this bell is, look closely at the image and you will see people walking around it.

It helps give perspective as to how large this Russian icon actually is.