Buddhist bells originated as ancient Chinese bronze bells and Japanese Buddhist bells, bonsho, were first brought to Japan in the late 7th century, sometimes being rung with a striking stick rather than an internal beater. They were critical to Japanese Buddhist temples, as they were rung in the mornings and evenings for timekeeping and as signals for rituals such as memorial services. Inscriptions upon the bells often read of the enlightenment and peace one would receive upon listening to the ringing of the bell. Most were made of bronze, but also sometimes iron. Many of these bells were melted down after World War II, perhaps destroying around 90 percent of all Japanese bells, and those that survived often had significant historical value.