“Bell, book and candle”
The expression: "Bell, Book and Candle" is a reference to excommunication from the Catholic Church. The ceremony was performed by: "Ringing the bell, opening the book, and lighting the candle," and closed with "Cease the bell, close the book, and quench the candle."

The phrase is old and first appears, in Old English, circa 1300:
"Curced in kirc an sal ai be wid candil, boke, and bell."

Shakespeare used the phrase in King John, 1595:
“Bell, book, and candle shall not drive me back,
When gold and silver becks me to come on”.

Thanks to the following for the use of their images: Michael D. Dunn for the girl, olga for the Bible, and eastlothian for the hand bell.

(5 years and 3311 days ago)

2 Comments

Bell, book, and, candle

pearlie says:

I remember that phrase, thanks for the explanation, bell looks like it's floating a bit, maybe the shady lady is doing that! Over all nice image.

REPLY

author says:

Thanks for the comment pearlie!

REPLY

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