Saint Barbara (Detail of bell)

The bell would be baptized and given a patron whose name might be displayed on it. The characteristics of its sound are defined by the composition of the alloy. It is clear how important the casting of a bell was as it justified performing a precise ritual, frequently in the presence of a priest, which was forbidden for women to attend.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of metallurgical crafts and is often invoked in bells as a means of driving away thunder.