Ghantas, bianzhongs, gons and other reeling and pealing bells
Normally made of pewter, sometimes of iron, wood or crystal bells can be richly decorated depending on the local cultural traditions. Bells are idiophonic musical instruments used in a wide variety of circumstances since the Bronze Age.
They can have practical uses in everyday life, but are also commonly used during the religious and civil ceremonies of numerous civilisations throughout the world (Asia, Africa). Naturally, Europe's Easter tradition is not to be outdone: children are told that on this occasion, the bells fly away to Rome and to the Pope, to return bringing gifts that are dropped to them from the sky.
The remarkably diverse uses of this traditional instrument can be seen in the art of campanology.
