Bonshō are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer and to demarcate periods of time. Rather than containing a clapper, bonshō (example at Ryōan-ji pictured) are struck from the outside, using either a hand-held mallet or a beam suspended on ropes. The bells are usually made from bronze, typically augmented and ornamented with bosses, raised bands, and inscriptions. The earliest appearance of these bells in Japan dates to around 600 CE, although the general design is of much earlier Chinese origin. Their penetrating and pervasive tone carries over considerable distances, which led to their use as signals, timekeepers, and alarms. The sound is thought to have supernatural properties; it is believed, for example, that it can be heard in the underworld. Their spiritual significance means that they play an important role in Buddhist ceremonies, particularly the New Year and Bon festivals. Throughout Japanese history a number of these bells have become associated with stories and legends, both fictional, such as the Benkei Bell of Mii-dera, and historical, such as the bell of Hōkō-ji. In modern times, bonshō have become symbols of world peace.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsh%C5%8D

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1847:

Scottish physician James Young Simpson discovered the anaesthetic qualities of chloroform. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloroform

1864:

American Civil War: Nathan Bedford Forrest led a cavalry division in an attack on a Union Army supply base at Johnsonville, Tennessee, capturing 150 prisoners. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Johnsonville

1921:

The remains of an unknown soldier were buried with an eternal flame at the Altare della Patria in Rome. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altare_della_Patria

1970:

Salvador Allende took office as President of Chile, the first Marxist to become president of a Latin American country through open elections. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Allende

1991:

Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos was granted a presidential pardon by Corazon Aquino and allowed to return from exile. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imelda_Marcos

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

mara: 1. (folklore) A nightmare; a spectre or wraith-like creature in Scandinavian folklore, especially one that causes terrifying visions or dreams. 2. (Buddhism) A malicious or evil spirit. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mara

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

The first priority of humankind in this era is to establish an effective system of world law that will assure peace with justice among the peoples of the world.   --Walter Cronkite https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite