Solstice Bells Project

We live in a time of extraordinary fragmentation. Every day, we face challenges that cross borders—social, environmental, spiritual, and political. Constantly, we are reminded of what divides us. Far less often are we reminded of what unites us.

Solstice Bells is a global participatory arts and education initiative that uses music, storytelling, and public art to foster hope, human connection, and cross-cultural understanding.

On December 21, the Winter Solstice, we invite people in more than 160 countries across the Northern Hemisphere to take part in a shared act of hope—to ring a bell, any bell, as together we welcome the return of light. 

Bells around the world. One planetary chorus of hope and light.

Every bell resonates with a sound and a story.

The sound of hope. The sound of forgiveness. The sound of wonder. The sound of healing. Across cultures and communities, bells call us to gather, to remember, to celebrate, to mourn—and sometimes simply to listen.

As we prepare for Solstice Bells, we invite you to share your story. Why will you ring a bell? What does your bell mean to you? What journey will you take as you prepare for December 21?

So whether you are ringing a meditation bell in Kyoto, sounding church bells in Oulu, Finland, playing handbells with friends in Chicago, ringing small bells with students in Seoul, hearing bells peal at a solstice celebration in the Scottish Highlands, or ringing a single bell from an apartment balcony in Mexico City, we would love to hear your story.

Every bell resonates a sound and a story. The sound of hope. The sound of forgiveness. The sound of wonder. The sound of healing. Across cultures and communities, bells call us to gather, to remember, to celebrate, to mourn—and sometimes simply to listen.

Click here to get in touch with Solstice Bells.

At the heart of Solstice Bells is a musical composition by Darren Zhu, created specifically for this global performance. Inspired by the changing relationship between the Earth and the sun, the composition transforms the rhythms of light into music that anyone, anywhere can play.

The timing of each bell strike follows the changing length of daylight throughout the year, creating a living composition shaped by the movement of our planet through space. Across continents and cultures, participants become part of a shared global performance.

Every bell is welcome. Handbells and bicycle bells. Temple bells, hospital bells, school bells, and dinner bells. Bell towers and carillons.  No musical training is required. You can ring a single bell or join the composition. Everyone is welcome.

See below to sign up to ring, share your story, support Solstice Bells or receive our newsletter. There are many ways to be part of Solstice Bells. Join us by ringing a bell, sharing your story, supporting the project, or staying connected through our newsletter. Choose below to begin.