pellet bell
Quick Summary
A pellet bell is a type of jingle bell. Historically, pellet bells, also known as crotals, were spherical vessels containing loose pellets that produced a rattling sound. While once considered a type of bell, modern authorities classify them as rattles. These small bells were often attached to clothing, such as the vestments of priests, or worn by dancers and jesters for adornment and sound. They share some of the ritualistic and magical functions attributed to larger bells.123
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crotalThe term crotal may also refer to a closed bell containing loose pellets, similar in construction to a sleigh bell. This crotal produces a sound when it is shaken and the pellets strike the inner surface.
Read MoreThe term crotal may also refer to a closed bell containing loose pellets, similar in construction to a sleigh bell. This crotal produces a sound when it is shaken and the pellets strike the inner surface.
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rattlePellet bells—a familiar variety is the metal jingle bell—are hollow vessels enclosing a single rattling object. In ancient or folk cultures they have frequently been considered to be protective and, as such, have been worn by priests and dancers, especially in ritual dance, and placed…
Read MorePellet bells—a familiar variety is the metal jingle bell—are hollow vessels enclosing a single rattling object. In ancient or folk cultures they have frequently been considered to be protective and, as such, have been worn by priests and dancers, especially in ritual dance, and placed…
Read More


