Belling Once Common Practice

Belling is a phrase hardly known today but it was once a common practice that may or may not have been a delight for a newly married couple.

After a couple married, neighbors and friends would go to the newlywed’s house late in the evening being very quiet and they would wait for the lights to be turned off.

Then on a signal from the organizer, the crowd would make as much noise as possible by shooting off guns, banging on metal and some would use a horse fiddle, a device placed against one of the house doors.  When cranked, it would give off a loud ratchet sound.

All of these activities were aimed at getting the couple up and awake.  The noise would cease when the newly married couple opened the door allowing everyone in for a party.  The revelers always brought along plenty of food and party items.