They were on the bottom rung of the social ladder. The underclass occupies the lowest possible rung on a class ladder. The bells of the churches were rung as they passed. There were three occasions surrounding a death when bells could be rung. A "rung" in the ladder represents a rule. The bell was rung for various occasions. A handbell is a bell designed to be rung by hand. Church bells were rung, which usually signified a fire, bringing more people out. Sometimes the external bells of the church are rung as well. Two United Nations Secretaries General have also rung the bell. Church bells are usually rung half-muffled, creating a sombre effect. I'm a bell that's been rung so hard that I can still feel myself vibrating. After prayers, the bells were rung for one minute, before the service resumed. After each name was read, a bell was rung. Traditionally, no bells are rung on Good Friday or Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil.