Wooden Clackers Replacing Bells on Holy Thursday

[cspb56]

Does anyone know the origin of replacing the bells at the consecration with wooden clackers on Holy Thursday. Some parishes I’ve been associated with over the years have retained this custom from prior to the council. A couple folks have said we used them throughout Lent but I don’t remember that being the case. Was this just a custom or was it part of the rubrics. I’ve check a couple sources but they said nothing about it.

 

[Brendan]

Bells are a sign of jubilation, of rejoicing.

The Bells are rung for the Gloria on Holy Thursday, and are silent until the Gloria on The Easter Vigil ( the next time in the Church Calendar when the Gloria (the Joy Hymn of the Angels) is sung.

Organ music should also be halted for the same reason.

The clackers are used in place of bells until the Easter Vigil (for the Elevation etc…).

 

[benedictgal]

Bells are a sign of jubilation, of rejoicing.

The Bells are rung for the Gloria on Holy Thursday, and are silent until the Gloria on The Easter Vigil ( the next time in the Church Calendar when the Gloria (the Joy Hymn of the Angels) is sung.

Organ music should also be halted for the same reason.

The clackers are used in place of bells until the Easter Vigil (for the Elevation etc…).

Just to back up what Brendan said, this is what Paschale Solemnitatis notes in its section on Holy Thursday:

1. During the singing of the hymn “Gloria in excelsis,” in accordance with local custom, the bells may be rung but should thereafter remain silent until the “Gloria in excelsis” of the Easter Vigil, unless the conference of bishops or the local ordinary, for a suitable reason, has decided otherwise. [56] During the same period, the organ and other musical instruments may be used only for the purpose of supporting the singing. [57]

I hope this helps.