Eight Bells and All Is Well
You've no doubt heard the saying about eight bells and all being well, but did you know it came from a long standing sea tradition? Find out about that on this page!
Like anchors, bells are universally recognized and loved nautical symbols.. When you know a little bit about their uses on actual vessels, they become even more appealing as design elements in nautical decor. On this page, you'll learn a little about those beautiful and melodious ship's bells, and perhaps find some inspiration for your own home decor.. |
Ship Bells
An actual ship's bell is customarily engraved with the name of the ship and the year she was first launched. There is often a ceremony when it is installed on the vessel. Traditionally, it stays on that ship forever.
If a ship is sold, it's common for the new owner to give her a new name. The old name on the hull will be painted over, and the new name will be lettered on. However, the name on the bell is not changed. It does stay with the ship, but it remains unchanged, so the engraving on it will always show the date the ship was first launched, and what her name was at the time. In that way, it becomes a little piece of maritime history that is specific to that particular ship.
A bell from a ship that has been scrapped or shipwrecked is a highly prized item, and a much sought-after addition to a maritime collection.
As artifacts of ship wrecks, they have historical significance, like the one shown above, form the famous ocean liner Mauritania, or the one that was recovered from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
When All Is Well - Eight Chimes Signals the End of a Watch
On boats and ships, bells are more than just decoration. They are used on a daily basis, as well as on special and ceremonial occasions. For generations of seafaring men and women, chimes of the bell was a way of keeping time at sea,
It was rung on the hour and half hour of each four hour watch. When the first half hour of a watch was up there would be one chime; after an hour, two; three times for an hour and a half. Eight strikes of the bell meant the end of that watch.
The morning watch began at 4:00 am, so there was one ring at 4:30 am. At 8:00 am there were 'eight bells,' signifying the end of the morning watch. Then, the forenoon began, and the bell would sound once at 8:30 am. So, at noon, once again, the words "Eight bells and all is well" would be heard at the ringing. At that point, it was time for another mariner to take over the watch duties.
The phrase "eight bells" can also convey finality. It's sometimes used in a seaman's obituary or eulogy to mean his final watch is finished.
It was rung on the hour and half hour of each four hour watch. When the first half hour of a watch was up there would be one chime; after an hour, two; three times for an hour and a half. Eight strikes of the bell meant the end of that watch.
The morning watch began at 4:00 am, so there was one ring at 4:30 am. At 8:00 am there were 'eight bells,' signifying the end of the morning watch. Then, the forenoon began, and the bell would sound once at 8:30 am. So, at noon, once again, the words "Eight bells and all is well" would be heard at the ringing. At that point, it was time for another mariner to take over the watch duties.
The phrase "eight bells" can also convey finality. It's sometimes used in a seaman's obituary or eulogy to mean his final watch is finished.
Ship's Bells for Your Home or Office
Majestic looking ship bells add a nautical touch to your home or cottage. They are ideal for a nautical office, hanging by your front entry door or on your boat. You can even use them to signal that it's dinner time!
Use a Ship's Bell for a DoorbellA ship's bell instead of a traditional doorbell is the perfect touch for a nautical entryway.
Your visitors will feel like they are at sea when they pull the heavy braided rope to ring this beautiful example that comes from maritime tradition. Have you ever thought about using something like this for your doorbell? Why don't you? You would then almost certainly be able to claim bragging rights for the most unique nautical front door decor in the neighborhood! It's a piece any seafaring guy or gal would love to have! |
Nautical Dinner Bells
Ships also carried hand bells, and they make a fun option for you to ring at dinnertime, or even tea time, if you do that at your house.
I actually have one that was used by my ancestors in the 1800's to summon everyone at mealtimes. It's brass, with a wooden handle. We don't use it anymore. It has a place of honor behind glass in my dining room. The cool thing is that there were two of them that were handed down on my Mother's side of the family. And Mom had two children. So, now we each have one. They are real family treasures.
I actually have one that was used by my ancestors in the 1800's to summon everyone at mealtimes. It's brass, with a wooden handle. We don't use it anymore. It has a place of honor behind glass in my dining room. The cool thing is that there were two of them that were handed down on my Mother's side of the family. And Mom had two children. So, now we each have one. They are real family treasures.
Other Times When the Ship's Bell is Used
It's not just in half hour increments of the watch that the bell is used. There are a number of other uses. Some of them include:
SAFETY
When visibility is limited, like during heavy fog, it's a sound that can be a life saver.
You can't just call 911 for a fire engine when there's a fire at sea!. Rapid tolling for at least five solid seconds alerts everyone on board of this maritime danger. .
MARKING A HOLIDAY
At midnight on New Year's Eve, there are 16 chimes of the bell - Eight each for the old and new years.
United States Navy ships ring their bells 13 times, on the fourth of July, at 2 PM eastern time, to celebrate the United States of America's Declaration of Independence from the Crown.
CEREMONIAL USES
When a high ranking officer, or important visitor arrives or departs, the event is signaled with a number of tolls commensurate with his or her rank or importance.
The death of a seaman is often marked by eight bells, signaling the end of his or her earthly watch.
In both Britain and the U.S., babies of officers have been christened or baptized under the bell. Sometimes, it's even inverted and used as a holder for the holy water.