The history of anklet jewelry

The multiple meanings of ankle jewelry

On the wrist, around the neck or on the fingers, jewelry fits everywhere, it dresses up and completes an outfit regardless of the style. Imposing or refined, jewelry is an essential fashion accessory for both women and men.

Some jewelry is only a sign of elegance and chic, others of love or friendship... And certain jewelry like the one we are going to talk about in this article, has a particular history, an ancient history coming from the culture of a country.

The anklet, hence its name, is a bracelet worn around the ankle, it is also called the ankle chain. This anklet is not just a simple piece of jewelry since it has a meaning, and this is different depending on the continent.

A jewel with a special history

First, the anklet has been known for centuries, mainly by Indian women and girls for whom this jewelry has become a tradition. But what are its meanings?

In South Asia , the jewelry chain is a symbol of belonging to a particular tribe, they wore these anklets when they danced. The women were supported by the sound of the charms which adorned the chain, and added to the ceremonial outfits worn by the dancers.

A very different meaning in China, where ankle bracelets were worn by children to ward off evil spirits, this jewel therefore had the role of Talisman (this object having sacred meanings with protective virtues).

Quite elsewhere, in West Africa, the anklet is traditionally worn during events and special occasions without having any particular meaning. However, in Central Africa, the anklet very often made of solid gold is a symbol of luxury and wealth, it was a gift offered by the fiancé. These solid gold jewelry had a very strong link with the country's economy, they were the representation of wealth for the inhabitants.

Finally, in Egypt, anklet jewelry was worn by single women, they showed their availability on a sentimental level.

Furthermore, in India, the anklet was a symbol of the number of lovers a woman had: the more chains they had on their feet, the more lovers they had had in the past.

The meaning of the anklet these days

In our time, certain meanings still persist regarding these jewels. In India for example, they are always a sign of social belonging to a community. Indeed, Indians are very attached to the codes and traditions of their country.

Furthermore, it was not until the 20th century that ankle bracelets appeared in the West. It all began in the United States where wearing an ankle bracelet is a sign of being an “easy girl”, a symbol that is not very relevant and true because these jewels are worn by both single and married women. They wear them completely independent of their social status.

The anklet on the left or on the right? What does this mean?

The choice of ankle is sometimes not made at random, it is said that the bracelet worn on the right ankle would confirm homosexuality while on the left ankle, the bracelet would affirm the person's homosexuality or bisexuality.

Wearing a bracelet is a certain way for people to express themselves, to be free and to assert themselves among the population when their words are not heard.

Even if these “traditions” are still current, it is still important to remember that these remain “aprioris”, a person can wear a bracelet on the left or right ankle without submitting to persistent traditions.

Is the bracelet ultimately not just a decorative and aesthetic accessory for our body? Is it really necessary and ideal to comply with traditions?