A review of Church history shows that this devotion did not appear suddenly, but developed over several centuries.
Called By the Bell
Most Church historians agree that the Angelus can be traced back to 11th-century Italy, where Franciscan monks said three Hail Marys during night prayers, at the last bell of the day. Over time, pastors encouraged their Catholic flocks to end each day in a similar fashion by saying three Hail Marys. In the villages, as in the monasteries, a bell was rung at the close of the day reminding the laity of this special prayer time. The evening devotional practice soon spread to other parts of Christendom, including England.
Toward the end of the 11th century, the Normans invaded and occupied England. In order to ensure control of the populace, the Normans rang a curfew bell at the end of each day reminding the locals to extinguish all fires, get off the streets and retire to their homes. While not intended to encourage prayer, this bell became associated nevertheless with evening prayer time, which included saying the Hail Mary. Once the curfew requirement ended, a bell continued to be rung at the close of each day and the term curfew bell was widely popular, although in some areas it was known as the “Ave” or the “Gabriel” bell.
Around 1323, the Bishop of Winchester, England, and future Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop John de Stratford, encouraged those of his diocese to pray the Hail Mary in the evening, writing, “We exhort you every day, when you hear three short interrupted peals of the bell, at the beginning of the curfew (or, in places where you do not hear it, at vesper time or nightfall) you say with all possible devotion, kneeling wherever you may be, the Angelic Salutation three times at each peal, so as to say it nine times in all” (Publication of the Catholic Truth Society, 1895).
Meanwhile, around 1318 in Italy, Catholics began saying the Hail Mary upon rising in the morning. Likely this habit again came from the monks, who included the Hail Mary in the prayers they said before their workday began. The morning devotion spread, and evidence is found in England that in 1399 Archbishop Thomas Arundel ordered church bells be rung at sunrise throughout the country, and he asked the laity to recite five Our Fathers and seven Hail Marys every morning.
The noontime Angelus devotion seems to have derived from the long-standing practice of praying and meditating on Our Lord’s passion at midday each Friday. In 1456, Pope Calixtus III directed the ringing of church bells every day at noon and that Catholics pray three Hail Marys. The pope solicited the faithful to use the noonday prayers to pray for peace in the face of the 15th-century invasion of Europe by the Turks. The bell rung at noontime became known as the “Peace” bell or “Turkish” bell. In 1481, Pope Sixtus IV was petitioned by Queen Elizabeth of England, wife of King Henry VII, to grant indulgences for those who said at least one Hail Mary at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. There is evidence that a bell was rung at those times.
The Angelus Today
By the end of the 16th century, the Angelus had become the prayer that we know today: three Hail Marys, with short verses in between (called versicles), ending with a prayer. It was first published in modern form in a catechism around 1560 in Venice. This devotion reminds us of the Angel Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary, Mary’s fiat, the Incarnation and Our Lord’s passion and resurrection. It is repeated as a holy invitation, calling us to prayer and meditation. For centuries the Angelus was always said while kneeling, but Pope Benedict XIV (r. 1740-1758) directed that the Angelus should be recited while standing on Saturday evening and all day on Sunday. He also directed that the Regina Coeli(Queen of Heaven) be said instead of the Angelus during the Easter season. Over the years many of the faithful have focused the morning Angelus on the Resurrection, the noon Angelus on the Passion and the evening Angelus on the Incarnation.
It is said that over the centuries workers in the fields halted their labors and prayed when they heard the Angelus bell. This pious practice is depicted by Jean-François Millet’s famous 1857 painting that shows two workers in a potato field stopping to say the Angelus. There are also stories that animals would automatically stop plowing and stand quietly at the bell.
Like a heavenly messenger, the Angelus calls man to interrupt his daily, earthly routines and turn to thoughts of God, of the Blessed Mother, and of eternity. As Pope Benedict XVI taught last year on the feast of the Annunciation: “The Angel’s proclamation was addressed to her; she accepted it, and when she responded from the depths of her heart ... at that moment the eternal Word began to exist as a human being in time. From generation to generation the wonder evoked by this ineffable mystery never ceases.” TCA
Holy Communion - This shows the bread and the cup of wine, which are the true body and blood present in the Lord's Supper. "The 
Anchor - The anchor cross originated in primitive days in the catacombs, formed by combining an anchor and cross. This cross can be used to symbolize the Christian's hope, which is anchored in Christ. Anchor crosses are occasionally a feature in coats of arms, in which context they are referred to by the heraldic terms "anchry" or "ancre." This cross was also the emblem of Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome; who, according to tradition, was tied to an anchor and tossed into the sea by the emperor Trajan. This cross is also known as the mariner's cross.
Ansated - Also called the crux ansata (handled cross), this looped tau cross symbolizes life through Christ. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6
Crossed Keys - The Keys of the Kingdom represent the authority of the Church to forgive sins in Jesus' name. Two keys represent dual authority to open Heaven to repentant sinners and to lock Heaven to the unrepentant. This is also a common emblem of St. Peter.
IHS / JHS - The most common Christogram is IHS or IHC, derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus. Because the Latin alphabet letters I and J were not systematically distinguished until the 17th-century, JHS and JHC are completely equivalent to IHS and IHC.
Borromean Rings - A Trinitarian symbol, Borromean rings consist of three circles or ellipses linked together to form a Brunnian link. This mathematical term means that no two of the rings are linked, yet they are all linked. This illustration has the Latin words "Trinitas Unitas" inscribed in the circles, which mean "Three in One, and One in Three." Sometimes this symbol is placed inside of a triangle, another symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Ichthus - The Greek word for "fish," ichthus or ichthys is a Christian symbol for Christ, and is composed with the initials of these five words: Iesus Christos theou uios soter: Jesus Christ Son of God Saviour. During the persecution of the early church, this symbol was among those used by Christians as a means of identification and to designate a place of gathering.
Alpha and Omega - This Latin cross combined with the Greek alpha and omega remind us that though Christ died on the cross for our sins, he now reigns in glory forever. "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.'" - Revelation 21:6
Baptismal - This Greek cross is superimposed on a Greek chi, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ. It forms a cross with eight arms. Since the number eight is symbolic of rebirth or regeneration, this cross is often used as a baptismal cross. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:5
Bottonnée - This widely-used cross calls to mind the Holy Trinity because of its trefoil end caps, and its name actually refers to the shape of an architectural trefoil. Once commonly-stamped on the covers of hymnals, it's now used often where a decorative form of the cross is desired. This cross is also called a bottony or budded cross.
Byzantine - The Byzantine cross is generally used by the Greek Orthodox Church. The Byzantine Empire, of which Constantine was emperor, was the empire that brought widespread adoption of Christianity to Europe.
Calvary - The three steps leading up to this graded Latin cross represent the hill of Calvary where Christ was crucidfied; or, more often, God's gifts of faith, hope, and love. "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
Canterbury - This design consists of four hammer-like arms which spring from a square, creating a circular pattern. Each arm bears a triangular panel incised with a triquetra, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The Saxon original dates from c. 850 A.D., being excavated in 1867 in Canterbury, England. This cross is common in Anglican churches.
Carolingian - This cross is a series of four intertwined celtic trinity knots (triquetra), each knot reminding us of the Holy Trinity. The circle around this cross symbolizes the fact that God is eternal - without beginning and without end. This cross design is named after the Carolingian Dynasty of France, its most prominent ruler being Charlemagne, who was crowned emperor in the year 800.
Celtic - One of the most ancient of cruciforms, this cross was used by the Celtic Christians in Great Britain and Ireland. This is also sometimes called the Irish cross, or the high cross; and is very common in churches and graveyards.
Cercelée - This cross has its arms split at the end, curved in a manner resembling rams' horns.
Conqueror's - This Greek cross is complemented with the first and last letters of the Greek name for Jesus (IC), the first and last letters of the Greek word for Christ (XC), and the Greek word for Conqueror (NIKA). The short bars above the letters indicate that they are abbreviations. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." - Romans 8:37
Coptic - A small circle from which emanate four branches of equal length, with angled T shapes in the corner, cross-pieces outward, representing the nails used in Jesus' crucifixion. The Coptic Church, headquartered in Alexandria, shares the history and theology of the early church, in which Egypt played an important role.
Crosslet - A cross formed of four smaller crosses, this form represents the spreading of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. This ornamental version rests on a lattice forming four additional crosses. "Jesus said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Crown, Key, Sword, and Hammer - This Greek cross has four other Christian symbols on it. The Hammer represents the Hammer of God, the Law. The Key represents the Keys to the Kingdom, the Gospel and forgiveness. The Law crucifies us with Christ, and the Gospel brings us Life through Christ. The Sword represents the Church Militant, the spiritual kingdom of Christ at war with the worldly kingdom of Satan here on earth. The Crown represents the Church Triumphant, the kingdom of Christ prevailing over the kingdom of Satan. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
Eastern - This form of the cross, also called a Slavonic cross, is used primarily in the Russian Orthodox Church. The upper bar represents the inscription, abbreviated INRI, that Pilate had placed above Jesus' head. The slanted line is thought to point up to Heaven and down to Hell. Some say that the upper side pointing to the right (according to Jesus' view) indicates the repentant thief to whom Jesus promised Paradise, and the lower side pointing to the left indicates the thief who mocked Jesus. Others suggest that the bottom line represents the footrest, wrenched loose by Jesus' writhing in intense agony. Another explanation is that the slanted bar forms Saint Andrew's cross. Saint Andrew is believed to have introduced Christianity to Russia.
Embattled - This heraldic cross calls to mind the battlements of a fortress or castle, and thus may be used as a symbol of the Church Militant (the church here on earth; as opposed to the Church Triumphant, or those who have gone to be with the Lord). This symbol is also known as a crenellée or crenel cross, from the Latin word for "notch," crena.
Fleur-de-Lis - A cross with the ends of the arms flory (fleury), having a shape somewhat like a fleur-de-lis (fleur-de-lys); this cross is a reminder of the Holy Trinity and of the Resurrection.
Fleurie - The liliform end caps of this cross remind us of the Holy Trinity.
Fourchée - This is a heraldic cross, also called fourchy or fourche, which means "forked."
Greek - An ancient cruciform with arms of equal length. This cross is also known as the crux immissa quadrata.
Ionic - This form of the cross was taken by St. Columba to the island of Iona in the sixth century.
Jerusalem - This complex form is composed of a central cross made of four tau crosses representing the Old Testament law. The four smaller Greek crosses represent the fulfillment of the law in the Gospel of Christ. Others have interpreted it to represent the missionary work of the church, which is spreading the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. Still others have acknowledged the five crosses to represent the five wounds of Christ on the cross. This cross appeared on the coat-of-arms of Godfrey of Bouillon, the first ruler of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem; and was embodied in the heraldry of the Crusaders. The Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem existed for almost two hundred years after the First Crusade. This cross is also known as the Crusaders' cross or fivefold cross.
Labarum - Constantine's Labarum is also known as a Christogram or Chrismon, a monogram of the name Jesus Christ. It consists of the superimposed Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P), often embroidered on altar paraments and clerical vestments. Often this symbol is referred to as a Chi-Rho. Several other forms of Christograms exist.
Latin - This most common of all cruciforms reminds us of the supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus for the sins of the world. The cross is empty to remind us of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. This cross is also known as the crux ordinaria.
Latin with Proclamation - The Latin letters INRI stand for the inscription that Pilate ordered placed on Jesus' cross: "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum" - Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. This notice was also written in Aramaic and Greek, as we read in John 19:19-20.
Lorraine - This cross is generally used in heraldry. It is similar to a patriarchal cross; but usually has one bar near the bottom and one near the top, rather than having both near the top.
Maltese - This cross has arms which narrow towards the center, and are indented at the ends. This makes an eight-pointed cross with no curved lines. The eight outer points of this cross are symbolic of regeneration, and are sometimes said to represent the eight beatitudes. The cross was the emblem of the Knights of St. John, who were driven from Rhodes to the island of Malta by the Turks. Malta is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked.
Moline - In this type of cross, the ends of the arms are split and curved back. Hhe two points at the end of each arm remind us of the two natures of Christ - 100% man in order to die in our stead, and 100% God in order to keep the law perfectly so that His sacrifice would cover the sins of the world.
Natal - This cross is shaped like a star, reminding us of the story of Jesus' birth and foretelling the purpose for which he was born. "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." - Revelation 22:16
Papal - This cross is the official emblem of the papal office, and is often used in ecclesiastical heraldry. The three bars are sometimes said to represent the three crosses on Calvary.
Passion - The pointed ends of this Latin cross represent the nails used to attach Christ to the cross, and the suffering of Christ at his crucifixion.
Patonce - A cross patonce is more or less an intermediate between a cross pattee and a cross flory, and is often used in heraldry. The liliform ends of this cross remind us of the Holy Trinity.
Patriarchal - This is an ecclesiastical cross that is often seen carried by the patriarchs in works of art. The upper bar represents the inscription placed on the cross by Pilate. It was adopted by cardinals and archbishops as a hierarchical distinction. In the Orthodox Church, a short, slanted crosspiece is placed near the foot of the cross.
Pattée - This cross is often confused with the Maltese cross. A cross pattée has arms narrowing towards the centre, but with non-indented ends. The lines of the arms are also curved, unlike the Maltese. This cross is sometimes referred to as an iron cross.
Pommée - The knobs, resembling apples, represent the fruits of the Christian life. Since knobs were used on pastoral staffs in ancient times as symbols of authority, this is sometimes referred to as the bishop's cross. "So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God." - Romans 7:4
Potent - This cross has a crossbar at the end of each of its arms, forming four separate tau crosses. "Potent" is an old word for a crutch, and is used in heraldic terminology to describe a T shape.
Quadrate - A cross with a square at the intersection point, which reminds us of the four Gospels going out to the four corners of the earth. The number four also represents earth, so this cross can signify the fact that Christ died on the cross to save this world from its sins.
Saint Andrew's - According to tradition, Saint Andrew felt unworthy to be crucified like his Lord, so he begged that his cross be made differently. It is a symbol of humility and suffering, and is sometimes referred to as the crux decussata. This cross is also called the saltire, the boundary cross, because it was used by the Romans as a barrier. The cross doesn't have to be at this particular angle to qualify as a saltire; the symbol X can also be considered a Saint Andrew's cross.
Saint Peter's - An upside-down Latin cross, based on the story that Saint Peter was martyred by being crucified upside-down. Like his brother Saint Andrew, Saint Peter felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Christ. This cross symbolizes humility and deep love for Christ as our Savior. "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14
Tau - The tau cross, made from the Greek letter T, is the simplest of all crosses. It is often used as the cross of prophecy, or Old Testament cross, because it is the traditional sign that Israelites made with lamb's blood on their doorposts in Egypt on the night of Passover. A tau cross is often pictured as the pole on which Moses lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness. This cross is also known as Saint Anthony's cross, the Egyptian cross, and the crux commissa. Francis of Assisi used it as his signature.
Triparted - A cross triple parted and fretted. In heraldry, it is interlaced. The triparted cross represents the Holy Trinity, and the twelve ends represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples.
Triumphant - This cross symbolizes the final triumph and reign of Christ over the world. It is often used in Christian art atop the scepter of Jesus as He reigns in glory. This is also sometimes called the Cross of Victory or cross and orb. "Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57
Voided - A cross voided throughout, also known as the gammadia, can be seen as a Greek cross with its centre lines removed, or as composed of four angles (L shapes) separated by a thin space. The name gammadia refers to its being made up of four shapes similar to a capital Greek letter gamma. This is the third letter of the Greek alphabet, which can symbolize the Holy Trinity. The four angles represent the four Gospels being spread to the four corners of the earth, and the voided lines show us that Christ left the cross to proclaim His victory over sin, death, and the devil.
The Dove - This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, from the account of Jesus' baptism. "Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.'" - John 1:32-34
The Paschal Lamb - This is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the sacrificial Lamb of God, who took our place on the cross to atone for all of our sins. The flag with the cross represents Christ's victory over death. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" - John 1:29
Shield of the Trinity - Also called the Scutum Fidei (Latin for "Shield of the Faith" - Ephesians 6:16), this is a traditional Christian visual symbol which expresses many aspects of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, summarizing the first part of the Athanasian Creed in a compact diagram. In medieval England and France, this emblem was considered to be the heraldic arms of the Triune God.
Holy Baptism - Holy Baptism is represented by the shell, which pours water. The baptismal candle represents the Holy Spirit, which appeared as flames with the Apostles on Pentecost. The Bible underneath it all is God's Word, as Holy Baptism is the water and the Word, through which the Holy Spirit works. At the center is Christ, represented by a common Greek Christogram combined with a cross.
Christian Flag - The Christian flag was first conceived on September 26, 1897, in Brighton Chapel on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York in the United States. The flag's most conspicuous symbol is the Christian cross, the most universal symbol for Christianity. The red color represents the blood of Jesus and brings to mind His crucifixion, as Jesus' death and resurrection is the means through which God saves us from our sins. In Colossians 1:20 we read "Through [Jesus] God reconciles Himself to all things... making peace by the blood of the cross." The white field draws on symbolism throughout the Bible equating white clothes with purity and forgiveness. People who have been "washed white as snow" in the Bible have been cleansed from their sins, as Isaiah 1:18 describes. The symbolism behind the blue canton is uncertain, but has been interpreted to represent Heaven, truth, or Holy Baptism.
