In a use similar to that of a dead bell at funerals, a  "Gremlin Bell" was sometimes used by British and American pilots in World War II, to ward off "gremlins". When the American pilots returned home many of them continued its use as a protection charm when riding a motorcycle.  Gremlin bells refer to the small, beautifully crafted bells hung on every motorcycle to shoo gremlins and evil spirits away and bring about good luck. is a gesture of kindness to a rider from someone who cares about them.