What is the Meaning of Wearing an Ankle Bracelet

Ankle bracelets have been worn for thousands of years. Over the centuries, they’ve symbolized everything from a woman’s marital status to a person’s wealth to a tool to ward off bad energy or evil spirits. 

Forever Golden offers permanent jewelry in NJ, including anklets, a permanent jewelry bracelet, and more. Let’s dig into the fun and fashion of ankle bracelets!

What Do Anklet Bracelets Symbolize?

Ankle bracelets have been making a statement for centuries. Some cultures have worn them to represent their wealth or marital status, or to protect against bad energy. They ranged from simple strips of fabric or leather to those that were intricately woven or included sparkling gemstones.

These days, they’re more of a unique fashion statement, representing a free, bohemian spirit and someone with a passionate embrace of life. They can also have symbolic meaning, a way to solidify a special friendship or other relationship.

Many of the customers of Forever Golden choose our permanent anklets to commemorate a Life Moment, a personal goal, or an occasion with someone special in their life.

Historical Significance of Anklets

Anklets date as far back as 8,000 years, and were worn across many different cultures. In Egypt, both men and women wore them to indicate their social status or their wealth. In India, women wore them to showcase their marital status. Ancient Sumerians wore them to bring good luck.

In ancient times, anklets were made of everything from a simple strip of plain leather to gold and other precious metals to elegant sterling silver chains. Some were simple, others included bells, beads, gemstones, or trinkets that jingled as the wearer walked.

Core Symbolism and Common Meanings

In traditional belief systems, wearing an anklet on the left side indicates a commitment to a relationship. It can also symbolize a connection to femininity, inner wisdom, and intuition

When worn on the right side, it symbolizes freedom, independence, and is thought to bring good luck.

You don’t have to buy into these traditional meanings. In modern terms, wearing permanent anklets can mean whatever you want it to.

Cultural and Religious Meanings

In ancient India and other parts of South Asia, women wore ankle bracelets to symbolize their married status. The Mesopotamians wore beaded anklets as a charm to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.

Back in ancient Egypt, anklets were worn as a symbol of the person’s wealth or social status. Those were made of precious metals, whereas commoners opted for bits of leather.

In parts of Africa, wearing an anklet was worn to encourage fertility and to bring protection.

Modern Fashion and Personal Expression

In Western culture, anklets have evolved into a modern fashion statement. In the mid-1950s, they became a “thing” again, with teens wearing one over their white bobby socks (fashionistas don't recommend this look...). During the hippie era of the ‘60s and ‘70s, they were a symbol of personal style and the free spirit who was wearing their favorite anklet.

Nowadays, they can represent a sleek fashion statement, a bohemian attitude, a way to mark a special occasion, or a commitment to a special relationship (either romantic or platonic). Permanent anklets can mean whatever you want them to.

The Palette of Meaning: Decoding Anklet Colors

The beauty of permanent anklets from Forever Golden is that they can be customized with charms and colors to make them truly your own. Here are some of the most common color meanings.

• Red: passion, love, deep commitment.
• Blue: harmony, tranquility, inner peace.
• Green: renewal, growth, embracing change.
• Yellow: optimism and happiness.
• White: purity, innocence, new beginnings.
• Black: protection from negative energies, mystery, sophistication.

Social Perceptions and Psychological Aspects

Permanent anklets have a long history of communicating messages. Ancient Egyptians wore ankle bracelets to signify the wearer’s social status or wealth. Women wore them to show that they were in a committed relationship. 

In the 20th century and beyond, wearing an ankle bracelet is a symbol of independence and confidence. The wearer is a free spirit!

Back in the day, anklets were also commonly worn to bring good fortune or to ward off evil spirits. For many wearers, this hasn’t changed. It can literally be a “lucky charm,” especially if little trinkets are attached to it.

So do anklets bring luck? According to psychologists, believing in a lucky charm boosts confidence and performance in daily life. At the very least, an anklet adds a little special meaning to your life.

Considerations and Styling Choices

Forever Golden offers permanent jewelry in NJ, including permanent anklets. Choose from many options to make it your very own. We offer both gold and silver anklets in different styles of links, from dainty ones to bold. Some wearers like to sport multiple chains in different combinations, each with its own meaning.

You can also add a variety of charms or beads to make it truly your own.

The ankle you choose to wear your ankle bracelet on is also a style choice, one with subtle meaning. Traditionally, the right ankle represents empowerment, protection, and strength. An anklet on the left showcased marital status, femininity, intuition, and sensuality (in some cultures, it still is).

Currently, it’s up to you! Simply choose the ankle that you prefer. Some people wear an ankle bracelet on each ankle. Others create “symmetry” by wearing the anklet on the ankle that’s opposite the wrist that sports a permanent jewelry bracelet.

So, what is a permanent bracelet? Like permanent necklaces or anklets, it's missing the typical closure. Instead, a new anklet is carefully welded on in a perfect fit that becomes a part of your everyday life. The process itself plays a significant role, emphasizing commitment, endurance, and meaning.

Final Thoughts

Symbolically, the ankle represents strength, stability, and forward movement. It's what connects a foot to the Earth, literally allowing us to walk ahead with confidence. Ankle chains tap that energy, connecting you to both the past and the future with every step.

So what does wearing an anklet mean? People wear it as a fun way to express their free spirit and unique style. Even men wear anklets as a bold form of personal expression. In many cultures, ankle chains are more than jewellery: they carry deeper meanings about relationships of all kinds. For example, ankle chains are worn by married women in India.

However, they can also symbolize a commitment to a personal goal or a deep friendship with another person. Many of our clients choose to apply our casual anklets with another person(s) to commemorate a special event or a relationship with other women that's worth treasuring.

Beyond the personal meaning, wearing a dainty anklet adds a unique touch to any look, whether it's a casual beach day that only demands a pair of flip-flops or an occasion for wearing heels.

Our ankle bracelets are made to blend seamlessly into your life. With proper care, they'll look great for years. Avoid wearing heavy oils or lotions, but if you do, use a soft cloth dampened with clean water to gently clean both the ankle area and the bracelet itself. The same goes after being in chlorine or salt water.

Wearing anklets is a fun, easy way to add some extra style to any outfit, or to commemorate a special event, personal goal, or relationship. Forever Golden has a complete selection and endless ways to customize them, so that wearing an anklet is deeply reflective of your personal style. Shop our ankle chains now!