Lightweight, discreet, and yet highly alluring, the ankle bracelet is as eye-catching as it is silhouette-enhancing. Long associated with various traditions and beliefs, it’s now a must-have fashion accessory. But do you really know its meanings across time and cultures? You might be surprised!
A thousand-year-old and multiple origin
The history of the ankle bracelet is as varied as the civilizations that adopted it. Much more than a simple piece of costume jewelry , it has often carried specific messages depending on the era and culture.
Ancient Egypt: between spirituality and protection
In ancient Egypt, the anklet wasn’t just a decorative accessory . It was considered a talisman, believed to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer. Noblewomen wore finely crafted gold anklets, while the lower classes favored those made of copper or silver . Some field workers wore anklets adorned with pendants that produced a tinkling sound , intended to ward off insects and limit their bites.
India: A strong marriage symbol
In India, anklets have a profound cultural and social significance . Traditionally, married women wear them, often made of silver, as a symbol of their union and status. Widows, however, are prohibited from wearing them , thus reinforcing their marital significance.
The Arabian Nights: a controversial accessory
The anklet is also mentioned in some stories from the Arabian Nights , where it is said to have been associated, depending on interpretation, with prostitutes and homosexual women in certain parts of the Arab world. This perception, although widespread, remains subject to debate among historians.
