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<div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">I often read reference to "Alphabet Bells" - those with inscriptions using the letters of the alphabet in order (or at least some of them) as being a practice used by post reformation founders to avoid using any pious inscriptions which might inflame the passions of tender "Christians". I had thought differently in that if one was less literate and acquired a set of letter stamps then the best thing to do was to put them in order - you may have learnt that at least. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">However, there is an ancient practice of writing two alphabets (Latin and Greek) in ashes on the ground to be consecrated for a new church building. This was part of the "exorcism" of the land - a way to bless the plot. The inclusion of an alphabet on a bell would seem to have much deeper roots than mere avoidance of insult.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Any thoughts</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Andrew</div></div><br></div><div><br></div>
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