"With bells on..."

While searching for a recipe on Susan Branch's blog, I came across a conversation that piqued my interest.  I often heard this term when growing up and even use it sometimes myself.  Like so many other phrases we often use, I've never considered what it really means and where it came from.  I really enjoyed learning the origin of this one:

"I thought I would let you know where “with bells on” came from. Years ago when people traveled with horse and buggy – many horses wore bells. If a carriage broke down, often the good Samaritan who stopped to help was rewarded with the bells from the horse whose carriage needed help. So…the expression, “with bells on” means basically that you will be there with bells on…aka – you will be there having experienced no mishaps."

There is more than one theory of where it originated, but I like this one best.  There's just something "romantic" about it.   Call me crazy. :-)

Simply,

     Susan