成人英语三级阅读理解(78)

In ancient times all over the world, it was believed that evil spirits could put up with just about anything except the clanging of a bell. Over time, the bell itself, even when not ringing, came to be regarded as a powerful lucky symbol. Because it is suspended in a hanging position, it takes on the representation of all life suspended between heaven and earth. Its vault like shape has become a symbol of heaven.

古时候，世界各地的人们相信邪恶的灵魂能够忍受一切，但就是不能忍受丁丁当当的钟声。渐渐地，即使不敲响，钟也被看作是一种有用的幸运象征。因为钟常被悬挂着，于是它代表了所有悬浮于天空和大地之间的生命。它的拱顶形状成为天空的象征。