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On some state occasions- a large and audible bell is tolled at a rate proportionate to the life-span ( in years) of the deceased. Obviously this is done manually- unlike chimes on clocks ringing out the Hours- This was done for Sarah Bernhardt (78 turns or strikes) and Jacqueline Onassis ( 64 strikes) those being their ages at death. In the case of MrS. Onassis" funeral, the main bell of the National Cathedral was used- and as stated, 64 strikes of the bell. I can understand why some women would not appreciate this custom- for example (Admiral) Gabor!

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14y ago

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