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jingle bells

A jingle bell or sleigh bell is a type of bell which produces a distinctive 'jingle' sound, especially in large numbers. It is often used as a percussion instrument and in morris dancing. They are typically used as a cheaper alternative to small 'classic' bells. 

The simplest jingle bells are produced from a single piece of sheet metal bent into a roughly spherical shape to contain a small ball bearing or short piece of metal rod. This method of production results in the classic 2- or 4-leaved shape. Two halves may also be crimped together, resulting in a ridge around the middle. A glass marble may also be used as the ringer on larger bells.

Bells of this type were developed centuries ago from the European crotal bell for fastening to harnesses used with horses. Typically they were used for horse-drawn vehicles, such as carriages and sleighs.


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