India is a country which is known for its rich traditions and cultures. These age-old traditions adhere to the men and women of our country. And ornaments and jewelry have been a massive part of it and they still are. One of many traditions especially for women is to wear anklets. Well, most people often think that is merely for beauty purposes but they are far from that.
According to Vedic sciences, anklets have a very important significance on women’s health and their overall well-being. Mostly crafted in silver and some other metals like brass, anklets from thousands of years have hold roots that are deeply embedded in our culture. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Rajputanas, to the Mughals, anklets have been worn by women every decade.
Anklets, as the name suggests, are like a bracelet that is worn around the ankle. They are often called ankle bracelets in the modern lingo.
Anklets and Their Significance in Indian Tradition
Anklets have many names like Payal in Hindi, Pazeb in Urdu, Jhanjhar in Rajasthan, Nupur in Bengali. The most simple definition of them is that are metallic strings worn by women and girls around the ankles of their feet. In ancient India, men also used to wear the. Traditionally Kshatriya warriors or people from the upper were known to adorn gold anklets and the people from other castes wore silver anklets. Gold anklets are no more in use since gold symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi and it is considered irreligious to wear it on one’s feet.
Anklets are available in a variety of designs and styles. The traditional ones often come with meenakari work to make them look more attractive and colorful. They also have pearls, beads, small stones of various colors along with little bells. Anklets or Payal are generally gifted to the newlywed woman on her first arrival to her husband’s home. Usually worn by women to mark their marriage, they are worn by unmarried girls as they signify their bravery and pride.
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Usually, anklets have small tinkling bells around them which make a jingling sound whenever a woman walks. In past, the sound was a symbol for the family male members that a lady is coming so they have to be respectful. They were also used by a wife to attract the attention of the husband.
Anklets are also made by many small bells which are called ghunghroos, and they are mostly worn by dancers. In traditional dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, etc., ghunghroos have a huge significance. The rhythmic stamping of the feet in different positions emanates a melodious sound and is often matched with the sound of the musical instruments.
Health Benefits of Wearing Silver Anklets
Human bodies are known to produce huge amounts of energy and most of the energy is believed to be radiated from the extremities, that are our hands and feet. Also, silver is known to be a very highly reactive metal, thus it is believed to quicken the process of outing all the negative energies from a woman’s body. The silver in the ornament is also believed to boost the immune system and fertility in women.
Anklets in Recent Fashion
Well apart from all these anklets have made a comeback in recent times. They are widely popular with people living in the West. And not only married women, but unmarried girls also view them as a great fashion accessory. Anklets also come in various styles, from simple to delicate to bold and flashy. They look great with traditional dresses like sarees and salwar suits as well as with western styles like dresses, skirts, and shorts. They are beautiful, small, and subtle and also possess a sumptuous zeal.
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Types of Anklets
There are numerous amounts of styles available when it comes to anklets, let’s take a sneak peek at them.
1) Beaded Anklets
Beaded anklets are for a more casual and playful look. They usually are made with colorful beads that are very attractive. They go well with casual outfits for summers and also are a great accessory for your beach days
2) Charm Anklets
Charm anklets are really the most sought after for their adorable looks. Small charms like hearts, stars, leaves, etc. dangle from anklets that are a great match for casual outfits.
3) Stone Anklets
Anklets embellished with glass stones are a great match for your ethnic outfits. They are elegant looking add colorful zest to your ensembles.
4) Layered Anklets
Layers are a huge jewelry trend at this moment. Layered necklaces, rings, and anklets are seen everywhere. Be it the celebrities or the fashion influencers all over the world, layered anklets are worn by everyone. If you are going with the trend, you can definitely go for a layered anklet.