Ring out the old, ring in the new

Of all the symbols of the 12 days of Christmas – the holly, ivy and mistletoe; the wreaths, tree and decorations; the turkey and plum pudding – none is so synonymous with the spirit of goodwill, peace and joy, or more ancient, than the sound of church bells, summoning the faithful to celebrate the birth of Christ at midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and to Matins on Christmas Day. The most symbolic and evocative of them all is the eerie peal of half-muffled bells ringing out the Old Year, ending with the great tenor bell solemnly tolling 12 times as the hour reaches midnight. There is a pause whilst the muffles are removed, then all the bells start again, a joyous, exuberant, cacophony welcoming the New Year, a glorious sound, full of power, hope and promise.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false,