鐘

bell

Kanji 1414

Do you know the difference between a 鐘 and a 鈴? Hint: Each bell has a different religious affiliation! Do you know which parts of a bell are associated with dragons, colts, and breasts? Do you know how to eat a bell? Do you know why they ring temple bells 108 times? Do you know what it means to strike an alarm bell figuratively? Read the essay, and you'll soon know all of this!

Revision History:

Feb. 14, 2022:

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and the Sears link.
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• p. 25: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

June 29, 2018:

• p. 1: Changed the definition of 兼ねる.
• p. 22: Fixed a typo in the yomi of 暁鐘 (ぎょうしょう: morning bell).

Apr. 7, 2017: Originally published.