While ankle bracelets do not represent anything significant in the West and are also considered fashion accessories, they are meaningful icons in South India.
Pieces of jewelry in Indian culture signify numerous things. Many believe they bring ethical and spiritual meanings, especially during special occasions like marriage. Over the years, ankle bracelets have become the trademark for most women in South India, expressing their beauty and safety in their lives.
If you want to learn more about the significance of anklets in Indian culture, below are five reasons South Indian women love to wear them.
5 Reasons South Indian Women Wear Anklets
The Presence and Energy
For Southern Indian women, wearing anklets has been a part of their early lives, and it has been a tradition to wear them since birth. In their culture, anklets bring a flow of positive energy depending on the metal accessories they are wearing.
The color of the anklet they wear also has a particular representation. For example, white anklets signify purity, yellow represents fortune, and pink conveys romance-related meanings.
The Importance of Sound
Many times, single Indian women would wear ankle bracelets with bells to draw attention to the wearer’s feet or legs. The distinct noise anklets make them get noticed by men and are a great way to start a conversation and find a husband.
Moreover, Indian moms also use anklets to find their babies easily as they are always going. The sound anklets make also serve as protection from small animals to go away.
Respect
When an Indian family is gathered together, the sound of anklets tells them that a female family member is coming, allowing them to welcome her with respect.
Symbolizes that a Woman is Or is Not Available for Marriage
For Indian women, wearing anklets represents their marital status depending on which feet they put them on. Wearing these ornaments on the right foot signifies that a woman is available and open to having a romantic relationship with a man. Whereas wearing them on the left foot means that a woman has a lover or is already married.
However, if a married woman wears her anklet on the right ankle, it might suggest that she is open to having an extramarital affair.
Silver anklets are sacred
Silver anklet jewellery is highly popular among Indian women because they believe that gold is a precious metal owned by the Gods, and touching it with their lowly feet is considered blasphemy.
Wearing gold ankle bracelets on the lowest part of the body is also deemed disrespectful and an ill-omen.
Final Thoughts
Southern Indian women’s love for anklets is deeply rooted in their culture, tradition, and expression of one’s beauty and spiritual faithfulness. This ornament plays an essential role in their lives, serving as a lucky charm and protection and directing their social status.
Knowing the significance of ankle bracelets enables you to understand why certain cultures value them profoundly and see them beyond as fashionable pieces of jewelry.