Anklets: The Symbolism and Significance

Ankle bracelets may be subtle, but they pack a lot of symbolism and meaning. Over the centuries, and going back to ancient Egypt, anklets have been a key part of many cultures and ancient traditions. Their cultural significance varies greatly between regions and eras. Anklets were worn to indicate wealth, a woman’s marital status, to protect against evil spirits, and much more.

Today, people are wearing anklets to make a personal style statement or attract good luck. Ankle bracelets continue to evolve, blending timeless symbolism with contemporary flair. And permanent anklets have an additional layer of meaning, marking a special moment or person in the wearer’s life.

The Deep Cultural Significance of Ankle Bracelets

The cultural significance of anklets is deeply embedded in societal rituals and traditions.  Ankle bracelets have a rich history, having been worn for 8,000 years or more. People in the ancient civilizations of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome were wearing anklets to indicate wealth and social standing. In ancient Egypt, upper-class citizens wore anklets made from gold and precious stones. These precious metals elevated the status of the wearer and displayed family wealth. Poorer people often wore ones made of silver or leather. Silver anklets were accessible yet still carried deep meaning for protection and status.

In Indian culture, ankle bracelets were worn by women to signify marital status. Married women wore chain anklets on the left ankle; those anklets were made of multiple chains that jingled so that their husband would hear their footsteps. This tradition reflects the broader cultural significance of anklets in South Asian marriage customs.

In African cultures, anklets made of string or leather were worn on the right ankle to ward off negative energies and to bring protection. This practice reinforces the cultural significance of anklets as protective talismans against evil spirits.

Most women were wearing anklets as a symbol of feminine beauty, but men would also wear them to show off their status and power.

In modern times, people wear anklets to make a statement about fashion, independence, and freedom, as well as traditional meanings.

Color Symbolism in Anklets

Among the many things that wearing anklets can mean – a good-luck charm, a symbol of marital status, a personal fashion statement – the color of that anklet adds another dimension to the story with symbolic meanings. Wearing an anklet in a particular shade often conveys intentions or emotions. Choosing colors is another reflection of personal style and spiritual alignment.

Colors have powerful meanings and a spiritual significance all their own throughout various cultures. The use of color further enhances the cultural significance of anklets in spiritual and social contexts.

For example, blue can represent calm and inner peace, while yellow indicates joy and happiness. In South Asian countries, wearing a gold anklet is a symbol of marriage. Wearing a green anklet sends out a message of renewal and new beginnings. Adding color to your anklet is one more way to show off your personal beliefs and personal expression.

Red Anklets: Passion and love.

The traditional significance of the color “red” has always been love, passion, and romance. It’s a fiery energy that represents a strong romantic commitment to a person.

Black Anklets: Protection and strength.

The symbolic meanings of black anklets traditionally include blocking or warding off negative energies or providing protection.

Black is also very “grounding,” bringing the wearer back to earth when things are chaotic.

White Anklets: Purity and simplicity.

 White is the color of spiritual enlightenment, fresh starts, or a new chapter in life. Wearing a white anklet can be a reminder of positive energy and spiritual well-being. Wearing an anklet in white can also symbolize peace and inner clarity.

Anklet Styles and Their Significance

Today’s ankle bracelets range from playful to elegant, offering a piece for every taste. Ankle bracelets come in many different styles: beaded anklets, chain anklets with one or multiple chains, and permanent anklets that are designed to be worn for life. For many, anklets are a fashion statement that blends tradition with trend.

You can add charms to further customize your anklet. Some ankle bracelets are made of braided materials, either leather, gold, or silver.

Then there’s a bold variation called an “ankle cuff.” Each of these styles of ankle bracelets has its own subtle meaning, each offering symbolic meanings tied to identity and intention.. Wearing an anklet in a particular style often reflects deeper personal or cultural values.

Beaded Anklets: Creativity and Individuality

 Beaded anklets show off a creative, free spirit. They’re also often associated with a connection to nature, since those beads may be made from gemstones like turquoise or quartz crystal. Precious stones like these add both energy and elegance to anklet designs.

Chain Anklets: Elegance and sophistication

The appeal of chain anklets in ancient times was in their elegance and sophistication. They still have the advantage of looking beautiful as a single, minimalist chain or when layered with other pieces.

The Meaning of Wearing Anklets on Different Ankles

 The meaning of wearing ankle bracelets on different sides largely depends on the cultural identity of the wearer. For married women in particular, the placement of anklets carries strong cultural and spiritual associations.

Among Indian women, wearing anklets on the left leg indicates marriage. In that same context, the symbolic significance means that the wearer is in a committed relationship. The left side also represents beauty, intuition, and femininity.

In African cultures, wearing anklets on the right ankle was for spiritual energy and protection against anything negative. In other cultures, the right side represents a more masculine, assertive energy.

Currently, the side you wear your ankle bracelet on is mostly a matter of personal preference. Still, the cultural significance behind side placement persists for many.

Personalization of Anklets

In today's fashion landscape, wearing anklets can make your own personal statement in many ways, from the color that you choose to adding intricate designs and delicate charms, to the different precious metals used in the ankle chain. Whether you choose gold, silver, or other precious metals, your anklet becomes a reflection of meaning and beauty.

For example, an anklet made of gold, like the permanent anklets from Forever Golden, represents elegance and attracts positive energies. Silver anklets represent feminine energy, creativity, and compassion, and also protect against negative energy or evil spirits. 

There are so many ways to make this stylish piece of jewelry truly your own. Ankle bracelets also reflect the wearer’s intentions. Check out our permanent jewelry bar to see the endless options that are available.

Conclusion

It’s pretty certain that ankle bracelets, having been popular for over 8,000 years, are in no danger of ever going out of style and will stay an essential piece of modern fashion. Ankle bracelets remain beloved across cultures and generations for both meaning and beauty.

The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were among the ancient cultures that were onto something. Beyond mere adornment, ankle bracelets can still invoke blessings, good fortune, a deep connection, and -- in the case of our permanent anklets -- a secret meaning known only to you and maybe someone special in your life.

For such a small piece, there are so many ways to make it your own. Forever Golden offers gorgeous permanent anklets in high-quality gold and silver. Add your own charms, wear them as a single chain, or layer several for a dramatic effect. However you choose to wear an anklet, you’ll find your perfect match for your personal style at Forever Golden. No matter your reason for wearing an anklet, it’s a chance to share your story without saying a word.

Shop our selection of ankle chains and add them to your jewelry collection!