Just wondering......

So it sounds like a little tinkling from heaven when you're walking through the Alps?

I've heard two different things actually. Some actually believe it keeps the cows contented but . . . . the Alps are a pretty big and craggy. Makes 'em easier to find?

Edit: It isn't just cows either. Sheep wear smaller bells.

They all gather round at night and play tunes together...every cow in Switzerland is part of one greater bell Bovine orchestra.

Everything you wanted to know about cow bells Cowbell

Fog, darkness, visibility etc. I'd have thought this is pretty obvious

I've got a fever and the only cure is more cow bell baby!

It is called marketing. Bells reminds you of cows which reminds you of its products...Swiss cheese

Aha - the lawn in front of the building I live in must be also very big and craggy, since all the cows there have bells. I would really want to hear the real reason behind it (personally I think the owner just wants to annoy all the people living nearby).

Because their horns weren't loud enough?

"In Memoriam: Gene Frenkle: 1950-2000."

That pretty much was the real reason originally. Now, I think it's just part of the culture. Fortunately for me, I like the sound of the cow bells. Not really any different than you're neighbor having windchimes (which now that I think of it I've never heard/seen here).

The bells do have a practical purpose such as if a dog got into the field and caused them to panic the farmer would be aware.

If one of the bells goes off like an alarm clock then it warns the farmer that the bull has probably got into the field !

Cow bells are used to keep the cow herd together. They are carried by the leader and it is usual that older animals get larger bells. When it moves, the bell rings and this noise is an orientation for all other animals of the herd. In loose cow formations, every animal has a bell, so that lost ones can be found easier.

this type of Swiss cow then ??

Because they have trouble clapping

'Coz udder-wise the farmer can't find them in the dark to milk.

Schoolboy joke
Why do cows have bells ? Because thier horns don't work. Boom boom!

Too late ! Turtonjs already did that one.

thats what i told my wife