BANGLES...Hiatory and beyond
Bangles are rigid bracelets, usually from metal, wood, or plastic. They are traditional ornaments worn mostly by South Asian women in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is a common tradition to see a new bride wearing glass bangles at her wedding and the honeymoon will end when the last bangle breaks. Bangles also have a very traditional value in Hinduism and it is considered inauspicious to be bare armed for a married woman. Toddler to older woman could wear bangles based on the type of bangles. Bangles made of gold or silver are preferred for toddlers.
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| Red Glass Bangles at Sultan Bazar |
Some men wear a single bangle on the arm or wrist called kada or kara. In Sikhism, the father of a Sikh bride will give the groom a gold ring, a kara (steel or iron bangle), and a mohra. Chooda is a kind of bangle that is worn by Punjabi women on her wedding day. It is a set of white and red bangles with stone work. According to tradition, a woman is not supposed to buy the bangles she will wear.
Moradabad is India's largest producer of bangles.
History
Pair of bangles, about 1880, India V&A Museum no. IS.1889&A-1883
Group of Dayak people women, 1910 Bangles—made from sea shell, copper, bronze, gold, agate, chalcedony etc.—have been excavated from multiple archaeological sites throughout India. A figurine of a dancing girl—wearing bangles on her left arm— has been excavated from Mohenjo-daro (2600 BC).
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| Boy Bangles Coconut Shells Wood Turner India photo 1930 |
Other early examples of bangles in India include copper samples from the excavations at Mahurjhari—soon followed by the decorated bangles belonging to the Mauryan empire (322–185 BCE), and the gold bangle samples from the historic site of Taxila (6th century BCE). Decorated shell bangles have also been excavated from multiple Mauryan sites. Other features included copper rivets and gold-leaf inlay in some cases.
Design
Bangles are circular in shape, and, unlike bracelets, are not flexible. The word is derived from Hindi bungri (glass). They are made of numerous precious as well as non-precious materials such as gold, silver, platinum, glass, wood, ferrous metals, plastic, etc. Bangles made from sea shell, which are white colour, are worn by married Bengali and Oriya Hindu women. A Special type of Bangle are worn by women and girls, especially in Bengal area commonly known as "Bengali Bangle", which is used as a substitute of costly Gold bangle, and is produced by fixing a thin Gold strip (weight varies between 1 to 3 gms.) is thermo-mechanically fused onto a bronze bangle, followed by manual crafting on that fused Gold strip.
Bangles are part of traditional Indian jewellery. They are usually worn in pairs by women, one or more on each arm. Most Indian women prefer wearing either gold or glass bangles or combination of both. Inexpensive bangles made from plastic are slowly replacing those made by glass, but the ones made of glass are still preferred at traditional occasions such as marriages and on festivals.
The designs range from simple to intricate handmade designs, often studded with precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, gems and pearls. Sets of expensive bangles made of gold and silver make a jingling sound. The imitation jewellery tends to make a tinny sound when jingled.
Production
A store at Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad, India selling bangles and jewellery. The Laad Bazaar and the Charminar market area are famous for pearls and bangles. Hyderabad, India has a historic world famous market for bangles named Laad Bazaar Glass bangles are mostly produced in the old Indian city of Firozabad in North India.
Pakistan glass bangles are produced mainly in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Bangles are usually made of glass, gold, metal, plastic, rubber, silver or wood.
Types of bangles
There are two basic types of bangles: a solid cylinder type; and a split, cylindrical spring opening/closing type. The primary distinguishing factor between these is the material used to make the bangles. This may vary from anything from glass to jade to metal to lac and even rubber or plastic.
One factor that adds to the price of the bangles is the artifacts or the work done further on the metal. This includes embroidery or small glass pieces or paintings or even small hangings that are attached to the bangles. The rareness of a color and its unique value also increase the value. Bangles made from lac are one of the oldest ones and among the brittle category too. Lac is material which is molded in hot kilns-like places to make these bangles. Among the recent entrants are the rubber bangles that are worn more like a wrist band by youngsters while the plastic ones are there to add a trendy look.
Normally, a bangle worn by people around the world is simply an inflexible piece of jewelry worn around the wrist. However, in many cultures, especially in the South Asia, bangles have evolved into various types in which different ones are used at different occasions
Tradition of Bangles in India
The tradition of wearing of bangles in India began in ancient times. And, even today, womenfolk love to enhance their feminine grace and beauty with the help of bangles that are available in variety of forms
History of Bangles in India
There are strong evidences that shows that women have been adorning their arms with bangles since ancient times in India. One of the oldest art objects in India, the bronze figurine of a dancing girl excavated at Mohanjodaro epitomizes the antiquity and the universality of wrist ornaments in India. The figurine stands in the nude with one arm at her hip, the other arm completely weighed down with a collection of bangles. Even the Yakshinis are depicted wearing bangles. Banabhatt's Kadambari has a reference to Goddess Saraswati - Goddess of Learning, shown as wearing kangans.
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| Bangleseller fitting bangles on a customer's leg with the help of a crimping tool in his stall at village fair - Thaal India 1946 |
Ancient fragments testify that bangles were made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper, bronze, gold, silver, lac, glass and almost any material that lent itself to craftsmanship. From simple plain circlets of metal, to ones decorated with etched and exquisite designs of bird and animal-head terminals and studded with gems, bangles in various forms existed in ancient in India.
Significance of Bangles for Married Women
Wearing of bangles is considered must for a married woman in India. These are considered to be an important part of Indian bride's jewelry. In certain communities, there is a custom which says that gold bangles should not be worn alone by married women and should be teamed with glass bangles, popularly known as 'kaanch ki choodiya', as it symbolizes well-being of husband and sons. In some communities women are so superstitious, that even when changing bangles, they never allows their arm to be completely bare. A simple string or even the end of her sari is wrapped around the arm, until the new set is worn. In certain communities, widows are not allowed to wear glass bangles.
Tradition of Bangles in West Bengal
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| Kolkata Bangle |
While most married women in India wear gold bangles, married women in the eastern state of Bengal wear a pair of white color shakha (shell) and paula (red coral) bangles as a symbol of marriage
Tradition of Bangles in Punjab
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| Punjabi Bridal Bangles in Yellow Color (jarkan wala Chura) |
In the state of Punjab, bride wears a set of ivory bangles called chooda on each hand for 21 days, or a year after marriage, depending on family tradition.
Tradition of Bangles in Rajasthan
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| TRADITIONAL RAJASTHANI MOTI WITH MEENA BANGLES IN TWO PIECE |
Rajasthani woman wears ivory bangles from her wrist to her upper arm as jewelry of gold for the rest of her life or till her husband is alive. This tradition has become obsolete in present times.
Tradition of Bangles in Contemporary Times
In present times, women, in spite of their marital status adorn their arms with bangles that are available in various types and styles as they believe that wearing of jewelry after marriage or before marriage has no relation to their husband's age. Hence, these days, bangle or bracelets are worn by fashion conscious girls with as much style as their mothers and grandmothers wore as part of tradition.
The bangle is a decorative ornament that women across India have been wearing for centuries. In fact, the bangle has a great socio-cultural-religious significance in Indian history and culture. This is because literature has glorified this ornament to make it the epitome of feminine grace.
Besides all this, bangles have a very traditional value in Hinduism. As it is considered inauspicious to be bare armed, Hindu married women are always wearing some bangles around their wrists. Today, the modern day women may not wear bangles with their daily attire, but only on occasions and festivals. This is because to them, bangles have a very sentimental value. In fact, to the Hindu woman, bangle is not only an ornament, but also an important part of womanhood and honor.
Bangles are made of many materials including plastic, glass, metal, kundan, lac, beads, black metal, silver and even gold. They are found in different colors, designs and different shapes too. Of course, the most durable of these bangles is the gold bangle, and the least durable, glass bangles. This is why many women prefer wearing gold bangles for day to day life and glass bangles for special occasions.
There are different ceremonies connected with bangles in India. In the south, Valaikaappu is a ceremony that is performed in the seventh month of pregnancy. This is when a woman is adorned in the family way, using bangles. Glass bangles of all colors and varieties are stacked on the woman’s wrists on this function. Once this ceremony is complete, the woman goes to her mother’s place for delivery.
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| Ivory Bangles |
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the bride’s mother has to gift the bride a pair of ivory bangles. It is only on wearing these ivory bangles that the bridal couple can perform the ‘saptapati’; without the bangles, this ritual cannot be performed. (The saptapati is the seven steps that are taken around the fire, without which no Hindu marriage is considered complete).
Married women in Bengal have to wear the iron ‘kada’ (bangle) or ‘loha’ as it is commonly called, to signify marriage. In addition to this kada, the bride is presented with white conch bangles that are beautifully crafted and red lac bangles.
Vizag is an area in India that has a close association with bangles. This is because Makavanipalem, a small village near Narsipatnam is a place that was once bustling with bangle making, enticing skilled workers from all over India. Though this business had stalled momentarily, today bangle business runs briskly in all stores of Vizag. You find a great volume of business in a variety of bangles being conducted here everyday.
Shravanamasam is the Hindu month that falls between August and September and is the month where maximum Hindu festivities are conducted. This is also the month that sees maximum sales in bangles all over India. So it can be seen that bangles have been, and will always have an important part in the lives of Hindu women. It is a symbol of their feminity.
Symbolism Of Bangles in Indian Culture
Bangles are a type of ornament worn by women in India. Also called Kangan or Chudi in Hindi, bangles come in various colors and are symbols of matrimony. A single bangle worn by a man is called a Kada and in Sikhs or Sardars, the father of the bride gives a bangle or kada made from gold to the groom. Kada is a circular shaped bangle having religious significance for Sikhs, and is made from iron, white metal or gold.
In India, bangles are very popular and with growing fashion trends, have become a highly popular in their various designs and forms. No longer are bangles just made in a circular shape with glass. Today, bangles are made from various materials and can be found in many shapes such as round, rectangular, oval etc. Worn in pairs, one on both arms, bangles are colorful, beautiful, and enhance the beauty of women who wear them. Gold, silver, wood, ferrous metals, plastic, rubber, and glass among other things are used extensively to make bangles. However, tradition demands that Hindu women wear gold and glass bangles or only gold or glass bangles.
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| Gold Bangles |
Gold bangles studded with semi-precious gems, or diamonds, pearls or just plain gold bangles with pretty designs are popular with women in India. The range of these bangles can range from downright simple to extremely intricate. Generally, a single bangle is adorned by women across the world in various variations such as bracelet. But in other regions such as the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia, bangles have been evolved into a wide range and each is used for different occasions.
Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, India is the single largest producer of glass bangles. Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh State, also has a historic bangle market called Laad Bazar. In Pakistan, glass bangles come from Hyderabad (Pakistan).
Symbolism of Bangles
Bangles have been a part of the Indian culture for many centuries, but the new trendy bangles are more versatile than ever before. Available just bout anywhere, designer bangles are even sold in malls, jewelry shops. But the real deal is the glass bangles…a pious symbol of matrimony. Here’s a look at what the various colors mean.
No
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Bangle Colour
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Meaning
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1
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RED
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Energy
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2
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BLUE
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Tranquility/Wisdom
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3
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PURPLE
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4
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GREEN
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Luck/Married Status
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5
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YELLOW
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Happiness
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6
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Success
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7
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WHITE
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New Beginnings
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8
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BLACK
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Power
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9
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SILVER
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Strength
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10
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GOLD
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Fortune
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Glass bangles have many interesting symbolisms. Here are some of them.
Bangles and Honeymoon – During an Indian wedding, the bride tries to wear the smallest glass bangles. She is helped by her best friend or sister to do this using scented oil. It’s believed that smaller bangles symbolize a happy and loving marriage and a wonderful honeymoon (that last until the very last bangle breaks!).
Bangles and Husband and Luck – A married Indian woman is required to wear bangles (green or red depending on which region they belong to) on a day to day basis because bangles are symbolic of safety, marriage and luck for their husbands. Sudden breaking of glass bangles is considered a sign of danger or an unpleasant incident involving the husband.
Bangles have long been one of the most favorite ornaments and accessories of women the world over. This popularity is rooted in the fact that bangles are unique in their versatility: they can be traditional and symbolic and they can be ultra modish and avant-garde; they can be subtle and elegant or they can be funky; they look as stunning on a 60 year old woman or a 15 year old young girl! Bangles are the easiest way to amp up the allure of any outfit, just slip on a few in a color that compliments your outfit and your look will be transformed from simple to stylish.
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| Copper Bangles |
Interestingly enough, even though bangles are worn by women and girls of all ages, especially in South Asian countries like India and Pakistan, they were originally a symbol of one’s marital status in society: a woman wearing bangles was immediately identified as a married woman. The particular type or style or number of bangles differed from state to state and region to region. For instance, the Bengali women wear a white shell and red bangle pair, as well as a gold plated metal bangle to tell the world they are married!
Over time, bangles transcended these symbolic definitions and became accessories adopted by women of all ages and style choices. From translucent dainty glass bangles in single colors to chunky wooden bangles with sequins, prints and different textures, these ornaments have become a major part of every day life for women folk all over the world.
In the West, young girls usually wear bangles by mixing and matching from different sets to create a unique and funky statement on their wrists. In the Asian countries, the norm is usually to purchase and wear a set together. These sets are usually sold by the dozen and are more popular with traditional clothes such as the saree, the salwar kameez and lehengas.
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| Beautiful-Bangles-Collection-For-Young-Girls- |
Another interesting change in the conventional bangle has been in the shape. Bangles for the longest time were circular, and without any clasps or openings. Bangles these days come with clasps and fastenings that allow the wearer more ease while putting them on. The shape has changed dramatically too! While the circular bangles continue to be the most popular, unusually shapes such as square bangles, triangular bangles, bangles with a “wrinkly” edge and even star shaped bangles have now hit the markets. These unusual shapes are more popular with the young lot, while women continue to swear by traditional circular bangles.
There’s more than what meets the eye with Indian Wedding Bangles
Bangles had been used by women in order to appear more sophisticated and give a beauty boost to their overall look. But before it was even known as one of the accessories of most chic and glamorous fashion statement, it has been used by Indian women, most especially during their wedding day. The significance of bangles in Indian Weddings then comes into the picture.
In India, bangles had been one of the most essential parts of a wedding. It is a must for Indian women to wear bangles during their wedding although most girls are allowed to wear these even before marriage. The bangle is a statement of being married and it is just like the rings worn in western traditions. Most Indians believed that the smaller the bangles, the happier the marriage will turn out to be. As part of the tradition, the bride tries to wear the smallest glass bangle with the aid of either her sister or her closest friend. To make the process easier, scented oil is applied for the bangles to slip in the hands easily.
After the wedding ceremony, the married Indian woman still wears her bangles to attract good luck. Most Indians believed that wearing these bangles can also bring the husband into safety. In the meantime, the Indians believed that bangles that are broken or destroyed before the death of a husband is a sign of bad luck.
With all the significance of bangles worn by Indian women, one cannot actually come to the conclusion that these bangles only serve as a savvy fashion accessory. It is safer to assure that these bangles serves While in some religions, diamonds are the most precious jewelry and is considered as a girl’s best friend, bangles are rampant in India and is regarded as one of the status symbols mainly reflected on Indian women
Bangles and Their Importance to Asian Women
Asian women are beautiful women. To add to their glamour, they wear ornaments like bangles, mehndi tattoos and saris that flaunt the beauty they have from within. However, if you think that wearing bangles are only for fashionable reasons, you are mistaken.
Wearing bangles for Asian women, especially the married once are important. This is because bangles are sign of matrimony.
Wearing the smallest glass bangle on your wedding day is a manifestation that you will have a happy life with your spouse.
Additionally, breaking your glass bangle may signal bad luck for your husband.
While the breaking of your glass bangle is a sign of a bad thing, wearing a red bangle on the other hand is a sign of safety and luck for your husband.
Thus, bangles are important. This is of course the traditional belief that revolves around bangles.
However, in the modern days, bangles evolve into a significant part of marriage other than safety and luck.
Today, wearing colored bangles for married women mean a lot. Below you will find the meaning behind the colors of bangles popularly used by married women.
Red colored bangle means energy. You energize your husband by wearing a bangle with the color red. Of course, in some regions, wearing red bangle means safety, marriage and luck for the husband. In other regions however, it is green that connotes safety and luck for the husband. Thus, depending on your region, use the bangle that will bring you and your husband happiness away from danger and closer to happiness.
Blue colored bangle on the other hand means tranquility and wisdom. It gives your husband and may be you, the wisdom to think clearly amidst any situation.
Purple is a sign of independence, may be single women use this bangle but of course, married once who feels independent would also be wearing purple colored bangles.
Green colored bangle is again a sign of luck and married status. Women prefer to wear this color to show how happy they are in their married life. It also serves as a lucky charm for the husband; this is based on other regions’ belief.
Yellow bangles are signs of happiness. If you are happy, you surely want to flaunt it and the yellow colored bangle is a good way to show it to the world.
Orange bangles mean success. Your successful husband may want to buy you this bangle.
White bangles are for new beginnings. Beginning a new life with your husband, white bangle is good for you.
Black colored bangles are worn to show power.
Silver bangle is a sign of strength. A strong marriage and family bond may be signified by black bangles.
Gold bangles, one that most women would want to wear means fortune.
Glass bangles, on the other hand, have some exciting symbolism like it is a sign of happy and loving marriage. A wonderful honeymoon as well. But of course, because it is a glass bangle, you have to be careful because if it breaks, it could be a bad sign for your husband.
You therefore should enjoy wearing your glass bangle but be careful because it may bring bad luck to you and your husband if it breaks.
Glass Bangles As Fashion Accessories
There is nothing quite like the melodious clinking of glass bangles! Considered as an aphrodisiac, glass bangles with their unique sound are known to arouse men. The luminescence and elegance of glass bangles is unmistakable and universal in appeal. Their glow reaches your face and makes you look even more beautiful and graceful.
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| Glass Bangles |
The real glass bangles are made only in place in India and that is Firozabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh. These delicate beauties come in a range of colors, styles, and with different embellishments. Glass bangles are easy to wear, maintain, and every woman can add bangles to her list of fashion accessories and make a personal style statement. Here’s how glass bangles have been embraced by women world wide and how they have become much-wanted fashion accessories.
Belly Dancing with Glass Bangles
Belly dancing and glass bangles? No way! These pretty and musical accessories are great for belly dancers. Glass bangles add that unique touch of ethnic elegance to the wonderfully sensual belly dance costume. Simply mix and match the glass bangles with your belly dancing costume and create your own unique fashion statement. If you choose glass bangles covered in glitter, the sparkle will be more than just in your dance! Producing a much better sound than the coin hip scarf, glass bangles are sure to allure one and all just as your dance does.
Dressing Up with Glass Bangles
Wear glass bangles in different colors with your outfit and transform into a queen! Bangles impart an elegant look that’s hard to duplicate. Whether you are dressing for a black tie event, or a casual party, glass bangles will never be out of place. After all, these circular rings of glass worn around the wrist originally were worn by the brides during their weddings. Try wearing an extra large set of bangles on both wrists and go minimalistic with the jewelry for a formal do. Bold and bright colored bangles will make you the focus of attention and setting you apart in the crowd.
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| Exotic Pink-Wooden-Bangles |
Hugely popular not just in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, glass bangles are also popular in America. You’ll never believe it if we tell you that American brides have started wearing glass bangles at their weddings; but that not all…even the bridesmaids wear them too! With every conceivable color available, these glass bangles are a perfect match for any wedding color.
Going Casual with Glass Bangles
If you like all things traditional, unique, and ethnic, glass bangles are great for your everyday fashion. Try multicolored glass bangles with jeans, a nice top, and mojaris or flat soled Indian shoes. Wear on just one write or both. You can even wear over a dozen bangles in each hand and relax with the melodious tinkling sound as they clash with each other. You can even wear glass bangles with pencil skirts, pants, or suit to add a feminine touch to your appearance.
How to Choose Bangles
Bangles are usually associated with India, and have been around for quite some time now. There is a large variety of bangles for you to choose from today like gold, metal and glass bangles. This is why choosing bangles to meet occasions proves to be quite a chore for some people.
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| Wooden Bangle |
If you want to wear glass bangles, it is better to choose them to meet your outfit as they go well with both black tie events and casual parties. It is better to wear an extra large set of bangles on both hands, while wearing minimalistic jewelry for formal wear. On wearing bold and bright color bangles, you are sure to be the focus of attention at any gathering.
You can also wear wooden bangles with casual wear. Like perhaps multicolored bangles with jeans and a nice top, along with flat soled Indian shoes. Glass bangles also go well with pencil skirts, pants and suits. However wear them carefully as they can hurt badly if they break.
Pearl bangles look great on dark suits
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| Silver Bangles |
Silver and gold bangles are the favorites of every woman. You not only have the traditional gold bangles to choose from, but also gold and silver ‘Choories’ or circular wrist bangles are considered to be very popular choices today.
These gold bangles come with either golden or silver inlays crafted in them or various semi precious stones like diamonds and rubies. Pearl bangles look great with dark colored suits, are elegant and usually within your budget.
Of course, these bangles are on the expensive side, but are considered to be a wise investment to many people. However avoid wearing them for daily use as the expensive stones on the bangles can chip off. If you want to wear gold bangles everyday, while doing normal household chores, then it is better to chose simple cut gold jewelry.
Choose bangles of the right width
When choosing bangles, choose a bangle matching the width of your wrist. Bangles that are too tight will only block blood supply while loose bangles will only slip off. Women with large width wrists should choose narrow width bangles.
It is possible to wear metal and silver bangles on any occasion as they match with most dresses. Lac bangles are not only cool, but come with a beautiful design that will look special on you anytime.
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| Wooden Bangle |
And if you are bored of all these bangles, you can always try wood bangles which are available in various designs and styles with a wood finish and bright colors. These bangles, along with terracotta bangles give an ethnic sophistry and appeal to make you smarter than ever.
Hyderabad, ‘The city of pearls’ is famed for its enchanting pearls, beautiful poetry, delicious cuisine and the much in vogue Hyderabadi Bangles. With their adorable Chan Chan, appealing colors and ethnic patterns bangles have become a fashion statement for today’s women. Gracefully adapting it with the modern trends this versatile traditional ornament is a fashion accessory enhancing aesthetic beauty.
Bangles are not just a decoration for a women but is a beauty in itself, ask any Hyderabadi and they will definitely vouch for it!
There are many types of bangles and there are quite a few present near and around Charminar, where bangle sellers weave a web of magic around your wrists. The most famous is the Hyderabadi Lacquered Bangles, molded out of pure lac and studded with glittering and beautifully cut glass pieces of various colors.
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Charminar, its grandeur apparent, lords over the pearl shops offering varities of Hyderabadi Bangles, Pearls and captivating collection of bangles. The most loveable city and the best of the sort, that's Hyderabad.
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