The current popular bangle bracelet, characterised as a solid and circular fashion accessory, dates back to 2600 BC. The bracelet was worn by women in the Mohenjo-Daro settlements in what is now Pakistan. During an excavation in the area in 1973, an archaeologist discovered a statue of a girl that was wearing bangles up and down her arm.
Bangles in the Indian Culture
Today, the bangle is an important piece of jewellery in Indian weddings. The meaning of its wearing varies from region to region in India. Typically, the wearing of glass bangles signifies luck and safety in a marriage. Depending on a bride’s origins, she may wear bangles that are gold-plated, made of ivory, or coloured red or green.
Whilst bangles, over time, have taken on trendier looks, they are still as significant today as they were several millennia ago. As noted, each region in India has varying rituals that are related to wearing bangles during the marriage ceremony. Some Indian brides even wear bangles that have to be put on with an oil. When this is done, the Indian bride is assured of a married life that is filled with love and affection.
Bangles Today
The bangle, which has also been discovered in ancient Roman, Mayan, and Indian ruins, is one of the oldest kinds of jewellery that has been discovered historically. Ancient bangles were frequently made of such materials as glass, shells, stone, and copper. Today, you can purchase bracelets of this style, such as a Troll beads bangle, in a twisted copper design. The bracelets are sized for almost everyone, as they come is such sizes as extra-small, small, medium, or large.
In the southern states of India, the wearing of a gold bangle is considered lucky. When green-coloured glass bangles are worn with gold bangles, the bride is further assured that her union will be represented by fertility and prosperity.
The Wearing of Bangles in Punjab
In Punjab, ivory and red bangles, known as chooda, are worn by brides. The bride is gifted with the set by her uncle on her mother’s side. In accordance to tradition, she is supposed to wear the bangles for a set period of time, usually a minimum of forty days.
In Maharashtra in India, the bridal chooda is very different. Instead of ivory and red, brides wear odd numbers of green bangles made of glass. Green is worn to signify new life, creativity, and fertility. The green bangles are worn with bangles made of solid gold, known as patlya. The groom’s family usually gifts the gold bangles to the bride-to-be.
The Ultimate Symbols of Good Luck and Prosperity
The hues of Indian bridal bangles, as indicated, represent varying qualities. Whilst red is a forerunner to prosperity and energy, green denotes fertility and good luck. Yellow bangles represent happiness, whilst white is worn for new beginnings. Orange denotes success, whilst the wearing of silver bangles represent strength. Gold bangles are the most auspicious bangles to wear as they are the ultimate symbols of good luck and prosperity.
