India and its rich heritage of Indian jewelry date back at least 5000 years or more. The wide range of ornaments crafted in this fantastic country tells how our ancestors used their infinite energy and imagination to create amazing pieces of ornaments. One such ornament is the Indian bracelet, which is popularly called bangles. The impact of metal bangles in Indian culture is such that the intricate designs and vibrant colors transport you to your good old days.
With their traditional bangle designs and enduring appeal, metal bangles offer an aesthetic. They provide a sense of continuity, a way to hold onto the past while navigating the future. In India, marital auspicious commitment is the symbolism of metal bangles. In this blog, we look at the impact of metal bangles in different cultures across India.
The Impact of Metal Bangles in Different Cultures Across India
There are distinct types of traditional metal bangles across different cultures in India. Each region has its cultural significance of metal bangles. There are different types of bangles worn by women across different cultures, and their importance is based on which culture they belong to.
1. Bengali Shaka-Pola and Loha
Bengali brides wear red and white bangles for their wedding. The white bracelet is called Shakha, made of conch shells, and the red one is called Pola, made of red coral. According to the Bengali traditions and cultural significance of metal bangles, the bride must take special care not to break them during the first year of marriage because they are considered bad omen.
Though they are seen as a symbol of matrimony, the Shaka-Pola have a fascinating history. In earlier times, poor fishermen would bring back conch shells for their wives, who would powder them and use them to make bracelets. Bengali women also often sport a plain iron bracelet, Loha, on their left wrist. This is to fend against negative energy.
2. Rajasthani Lac Bangles
Lac bangles are a tradition of Rajasthan; they are made of lacquer and are vibrant and embellished with intricate designs. Rajasthani women use these bangles for their aesthetic appeal and because they are believed to bring good luck.
3. The Green Maharashtrian Bangles
Married women and brides wear green glass bangles in Maharashtra and some parts of Karnataka. These green glass bangles are worn in odd numbers on both hands to symbolise auspiciousness and fertility. For this very reason, only married women wear these bangles. Along with these bangles, the bride and newlywed women also wear patlis, which are gold bangles decorated with traditional patterns and embellishments.
4. South Indian Gold Bangles
In South India, women predominantly wear gold bangles in cultural rituals and special occasions. The South Indian traditional bangle designs are known for their intricate craftsmanship. The bangles are often passed on from generation to generation. These bangles represent wealth and social status and are crucial to women's jewellery collections.
5. Punjabi Chooda
A chooda is a set of bangles that are worn by the bride on her marriage day and for some time afterwards. These chooda sets are usually worn by Punjabi Hindus, Sikhs, and Punjabi Jains. The bangles are red and white in colour and are carved out of ivory and inlay works. The colour red is a symbol of abundance and positive energy.
Conclusion
The journey of rediscovering cultural identity through traditional metal bangles is a testament to the enduring power of tradition. The impact of metal bangles on women across the globe is enormous; they symbolise tradition, beauty, and celebration, making them perfect for special occasions like weddings, festivals, and cultural events. Today, bangles are available in various materials, designs, and embellishments. Whether crafted from gold, silver, or glass, these bangles enhance the overall look, offering style and sophistication.
If you want to don beautiful and durable metal bangles, reach out to The Golden Cascade (TGC). We customise designer and counterfeit bangles and other jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the importance of bangles in global cultures?
A1: Bangles hold significant cultural symbolism across various societies worldwide, often symbolising traditions, beliefs, and rites of passage. In South Asian cultures, particularly in India, bangles are integral to women's attire and signify marital status, with newlyweds often adorned with red or green bangles.
Q2: Mention the symbolism of metal bangles in Indian culture.
A2: Metal bangles symbolise protection, good luck, and marital status.
Q3: What are metal bangles made of?
A3: Metal bangles are made of numerous precious and non-precious materials such as gold, silver, platinum, glass, wood, ferrous metals, plastic, etc.
Q4: What size are most bangles?
A4: The most common and popular size of bangles is size 8. Bangles do not have closure, so you need to fit them over your hand without opening them.
Q5: Does TGC only offer metal bangles?
A5: Along with metal bangles, TGC offers glass bangles, metal kada, glass kada, chuda, American Diamond Kada, and a customised chuda set.
Also Read:
10 Benefits of Wearing Glass Bangles
Astrological Benefits of Wearing Metal Kada
