Klokkene

Klokkene is the definite plural form of the Norwegian noun klokke, meaning “the bells.” The word is used for bells in churches, towers, or other ensembles, especially when referring to their sound, ringing schedules, or ceremonial function. The singular is klokke, the indefinite plural is klokker, and the definite plural is klokkene.

Bells serve a variety of roles in society. Historically they were used for timekeeping, signaling hours or warnings, and calling worshippers to prayer or services. They also mark celebrations such as weddings and funerals and signal important community events. In many towns, the daily rhythm of life is tied to the sound of the klokker ringing from church towers.

Construction and types of bells vary, but most are cast in bronze and hung in a bell tower. They are sounded by a clapper inside the bell, operated by a rope and wheel, a mechanical system, or an automatic mechanism. Some bell ensembles form a carillon or a set of bells designed to produce musical sequences, while others are used for simple pealing and change ringing.

Culturally, the klokker contribute to the soundscape of communities and can be a focus of preservation efforts for historic towers. The term klokkene may appear in literature, journalism, or folklore to evoke the atmosphere or memory of a place associated with bells.

See also: klokke, klokker, carillon, bell tower, change ringing.