Heave-ho! Four kids pull together on a thick rope, and the big bell starts to swing. This New Year's coloring page shows how much fun teamwork can be. Print it for free and color the bell ringing scene!
Why kids love this bell picture
The bell hangs under a little gabled roof with a half-circle window and two pillars – all clear, straight shapes. Below, two girls and two boys grip the twisted rope and lean back with all their strength. Each child has a different face and outfit, so kids can make every one unique. The lines are bold, with enough small spots like hands and rope twists for careful coloring.
🖨️ Step by Step: How to Print It Best
Click “Print” on the right, or download the image or PDF.
Letter or A4 in portrait, scaling set to “Fit to page” – the picture fits the sheet perfectly.
Regular printer paper is fine for colored pencils; for paint, use thicker paper (65–110 lb).
Grab your crayons and go – then give the finished picture a spot on the fridge!
Bells for the New Year
In Japan, many temples strike a huge bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. According to an old Buddhist idea, each strike stands for a bad habit or worry people want to leave behind in the old year. These temple bells have no clapper inside – they're struck from the outside with a big wooden beam. In Germany, church bells ring in the New Year at midnight in many towns. Long ago, people believed the ringing chased away bad spirits.
Ideas with the bell picture
Count to 108 together as a group – how long does it take? Hang the finished page on the classroom door as a reminder that we can do more together.
Color ideas for the bell and kids
With these ideas you can almost hear the bell.
Orange-brown with a touch of gold looks like real bronze.
Bright red for the roof and pillars recalls temples in Japan.
Alternate light and dark tan for each twist of the rope.
Give every child their own favorite color.
When to use this coloring page
A great pick for anyone who loves doing things together.
Color while you wait for the bells to ring.
A picture for learning about New Year in Japan.
Shows kids we're stronger together.
A calm activity before winter break.
Bell facts
Little facts about ringing in the New Year.
That's how often the temple bell rings in Japan.
Japanese temple bells are struck from outside.
Many German towns ring them at midnight.
Bell sounds were meant to chase off the old year.
More New Year traditions around the world
Discover more customs to color: a lucky cake from Greece, chair jumping from Denmark and lots more.
🌍 More from “New Year Around the World”:
Your Benefits at PureSketchy:
- Team spirit: The picture shows how well teamwork works.
- Clear shapes: Roof and pillars are easy to fill.
- Drawing faces: Four kids to make your own.
- World cultures: Kids learn a custom from Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What age is this coloring page for?
Best for kids about 5 to 8: large spaces on the roof and bell plus medium details like hands and rope.
Is the download free?
Yes, all coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.
What should we color it with?
Colored pencils work well, and markers are great for the bell and roof.
Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Glocke läuten.