Abstract

CARBAJAL LOPEZ, David. Hierarchies, Jurisdictions and Sensibilities: Aspects of the Reform of Bells in New Spain, 1700-1808. Secuencia [online]. 2013, n.86, pp.9-26. ISSN 2395-8464.

During the 18th century, Novohispanic bishops tried to reform the use of bells by imposing a hierarchical discipline on them, by introducing new sound sensibilities and reinforcing the sacred nature of bells. The Crown supported this reform, yet attempted to use it to reinforce its own jurisdiction, creating specific cases of confrontation, which, however, showed the fundamental agreement between the representatives of both powers. In short, the reform elicited requests for exemption from the new norms, which show the importance of pealing and ringing for Novohispanic corporations together with an as yet independent criticism designed to reduce their presence in the public sphere.

Keywords : Bells; Catholicism; Bourbon Reforms; Sensibilities; Catholic Reform.