What is the reason church bells ring at 6pm? When I was in the Army in Germany I always thought it was a peaceful sound. I know when they ring one is surpose to make the sign of the cross and say small pray to Jesus,but I was also told they ring at 6pm in the farm areas to tell the farmers in the fields it was dinner time,also they would ring anytime of the day if there was a fire or other life threatening problems. What is you viewpoint on this?