Singing bowls

[Zenji]

As a dharma newbie, I am fascinated with the ritual items that are associated with Buddhism (I think it may be the fact that most of them are shiny and I'm fairly certain  I was a magpie in a previous life... oooh look, something shiny!)  Recently given to me, I have invited a singing bowl home.  But, I have no idea of what purpose in my daily sadhana it plays.  Do we play the singing bowl as we recite mantra?  Or is it like the bell in the various  pujas, where it's only rang at certain times?

If someone could provide a clear and concise direction on the uses/symbols/meanings of the singing bowl, I would be more than appreciative.

[wmw111]

Dear Zenji,
So far I have not seen the application in the Kechara Pujas/Prayer Session for instance.
Uses
i)  To signal the end of a meditation session you hit the singing bowl once.
ii) Some people will purify the energy of their crystals by putting in the bowl and playing the bowl,
ii) Some people would put chakras inside the bowl, play it so the energy of the buddha within the chakra is spread through sound to the environment you are in blessing it with the buddha's energy. 

An article on singing bowls
http://tsemtulku.com/resources/ritual-items/singing-bowls/

[Zenji]

Many thanks for the information Wai Meng, I'm just sorry it took me so long to finally read it.