For those interested: The Blessing Bell: What’s it all about? This will be the eighth year of the Blessing Bell being tolled at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. On the last two days of Festival I roam the village presenting the bell for blessings from any and all who wish to do so. Then, on the last night of Festival, after the Drum Jam, and the Big Fire Blow, and the speeches are completed, usually around 7:20 p.m., I begin to toll the bell; sending the collected blessings back out to one-and-all, a hundred-fold stronger; as I put the Festival to rest for another year. At 8:00 p.m. I complete this joyous task. Immediately after, the bell is rung thrice more, by an honored guest; once for the Past, then the Present, and finally the Future. Death tolls last, once, as is appropriate. “Ask not for whom the Bell tolls. It tolls, ‘Blessed Be.’, for thee.” Blessing the Bell: FAQ’s 1. What if I don’t want to bless the bell? A. I’m okay with that, and the bell appears to not mind as well, at least, it hasn’t said anything about it to date. 2. How do I bless the bell? A. Pretty much any way you want, as long as it isn’t disgustingly gross so as to interfere with other people wanting to bless the bell. Some do it in a religious manner, some do it with a drop of libations, some do it with a kiss, some, especially the busy ones, run by and simply yell, “Bless the Bell!” Some rub the bell’s belly, some sprinkle on fairy dust, some tie ribbons, some will sing it a song. Some even treat it like saying prayers at bedtime. Last year three wee patrons wished for “more silliness”. It is all positive energy, and it is all good. 3. Does the bell get really gross with all that stuff? A. Not really. It does get a proper cleansing just before, and just after the last weekend. Most people are acknowledge that others will want to bless the bell and so are respectful. 4. I would like to bless the bell, but I’m too busy with the shop, act, etc... Can you bring the bell by? A. Yup! I toddle all over the Festival during the day. The bell starts the morning at Cast Call. I leave it out front so all have easy access. I then take it to the Front Gate with me until 10:00 a.m., I can usually be found standing behind the Royals, just before going up the hill to Bad Manor. The only time the bell isn’t really available is during the Grand Parade, when I’m rather busy. If you specifically want me to stop by, try to leave a message with the Information Booth. For some odd reason they’re really good at disseminating that sort of thing. Michael J. Devor John Moufet “The Big mOuf” Grand Master of the Town Criers’ Corps(e) Master of the Lechers’ Guild & Womens’ Auxilliary #69247365 Founder of the Royal Catch & Release Society Bell Ringer
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 23:18:54 +0000
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