Protection and warnings. Bells were used among the ancient Hebrews and medieval Europeans to frighten off mischievous spirits, fairies, and malicious magic.
A call to introspection: In Tibet, bowls that resound like bells are used for meditation and prayer. During the Christian era, bells announced the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and a time of worship.
Traditionally, if a bell tolls the time, listen to the hour. Midnight is the most ominous, portending an ending or death (See also: Clocks, Numbers).
A gong: Used in many Eastern lands to presage an announcement, gathering, or other matters of import.
If you’re expecting news, it is soon to come. Also, the number of times the gong sounds may be significant (See also: Numbers). [1]
To dream one plays tunes on small bells signifies discord and disunion between subjects and servants.
To dream you pull a rope of the bell, and see a spirit keep it from ringing, shows trouble and molestation; and if it be a parson that is the dreamer, it shows he shall meet with some disturbance in his preaching. [2]
A single, tolling bell is a sign of approaching death, or of serious illness.
A peal of bells, however, is a sign of coming celebration.
A persistent doorbell is an alarm . . . you should be on your guard. [3]