Which bell is traditionally rung at the UN for equinox Earth Day?

The Japanese Peace Bell is traditionally rung at the United Nations for equinox Earth Day.

The bell is housed at UN Headquarters in New York City and is traditionally tolled around the March equinox, marking the Earth Day ceremony associated with the equinox. The same bell is also rung on September 21 for the International Day of Peace.

The United Nations Association of Japan donated the bell in June 1954. It was cast from coins and medals contributed by people from many countries, along with metal from religious objects and other symbolic sources. Its design represents the hope that nations can work together peacefully.

A common mix-up is to call it simply the “Peace Bell,” but the recognized name is the Japanese Peace Bell. It should not be confused with the Liberty Bell or with the Peace Bell of Hiroshima, which is a separate memorial bell in Japan. The equinox ceremony is linked with John McConnell’s Earth Day observance.