If you've ever wondered what cultures wore bracelets, you're not alone. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks wore bracelets, as did Timorese and Indian women. But how did they wear them? This article explores some of these cultures' jewelry customs. Hopefully, the information will help you decide if bracelets are the right accessory for you.
Ancient Egyptians
Ancient Egyptians often wore bracelets and anklets as matching sets. These jewelry items were often embellished and had multiple meanings. They could represent a god, such as Horus, a falcon god. They also symbolized good fortune. The Egyptians wore these jewelry items as early as they were born and believed they conferred magical powers and brought good fortune.
Egyptian bracelets were often inlaid with semi-precious stones. The most popular stones were turquoise and lapis lazuli. Other common stones included emeralds and garnets. These bracelets were also made from faience, which is a mix of ground quartz and a colorant. The coloration was often blue-green to imitate the more expensive natural stones.
Ancient Greeks
Bracelets are a popular fashion accessory and were used for many reasons in Ancient Greece. They were often ornamented with designs of animals, plants, and Greek gods. They were used as an offering to the god Poseidon and were believed to improve health and immunity. While there are many types of bracelets, they were mostly worn on the wrist.
Ancient Greeks wore bracelets for many reasons, including to mark the start of spring. A common custom is to wear red and white bracelets to celebrate the goddess Martis, which is derived from the Greek word for March. The Ancient Greeks believed that wearing a bracelet made of these two colors helped protect them from the strong spring sun. They also tied the bracelet to a tree that first began to bloom in March to keep it healthy.
Timorese
Timorese women and men wear jewelry, especially bracelets in various designs and sizes. While men tend to wear larger and more spectacular bracelets, women generally wear smaller, more simple styles. The bracelets are often adorned with a traditional symbol that relates to a particular family or house. These Timorese bracelets also have special powers and are thought to be protective amulets.
Indian Women
Whether they are married or unmarried, Indian women love to accessorize their arms with bangles. It is a tradition that dates back to the ancient times, and can be seen in sculptures like the bronze figurine excavated from Mohenjo Daro. This sculpture depicts a dancer with one arm hanging at her hip and the other completely weighted down by bangles.
The practice of wearing anklets has important cultural and spiritual significance in India. These adornments have long been worn by women and are now commonly known as 'payal'. They are a popular part of women's adornment in India, and have even been imitated by other cultures.
Timorese Girls
Timorese girls wear bracelets for a variety of reasons. While men usually wear the biggest, most extravagant bracelets, Timorese girls usually wear smaller ones. These bracelets often bear a traditional symbol that shows the wearer's connection to a particular family or house. These bracelets are often worn during initiation rites. In other cases, bracelets represent a family member's rank.
Women usually wear long, white cloth around the waist and a necklace made from kaibauk (a small ear and tear). Men wear a metal bracelet on their forearm. Timorese men also wear a small crucifix on their chests.
Ancient Scythians
Ancient Scythians wore a variety of bracelets as adornment. These bracelets were often made of gold. These bracelets often featured intricate designs. They also had intricately carved neck pieces and headpiece ornaments. Some of them were even encrusted with animal images.
Bracelets were also worn by the elite. Their clothing was often decorated with beads, amulets, or gold plaques. Some ancient Scythians wore two to four sets of ceremonial clothes. The Scythian people were noted for their excellent metalworking. In the Iron Age, bracelets made of metal became common throughout Europe.
