Suzu (bell)

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Suzu (鈴) are round, hollow Japanese Shinto bells that contain pellets that sound when agitated. They are somewhat like a jingle bell in form, though the materials produce a coarse, rolling sound. Suzu come in many sizes, ranging from tiny ones on good luck charms (called omamori (お守り)) to large ones at shrine entrances. Suzu are, however, classified as small bells, since big bells are referred to as kane. The former is associated with Shinto and shrines while the latter is related to Buddhist temples and ceremonies. At Shinto shrines, large suzu drape over entrances, as it is said that ringing them calls kami, allowing one to acquire positive power and authority, while repelling evil. Handheld clustered suzu, similar to jingle bells, are used musically at Shinto ceremonies. There are ceremonies, for instance, where female performers dance with suzu bells such as those with some sort of short blade at their center. The bell's cool tinkles are also considered psychological air-conditioning...

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