Bangles have been used in India since centuries.
Right from the time they came into existence till date, these jewelry items
have improved in leaps and bounds. Though only married women used to wear them
in the past, their new stylish 'avatar' has made them a favorite of teenage
girls as well. Women all over the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, wear
bangles to complement their outfit and enhance their visual appeal. However,
their beautiful designs have not only increased their demand in the Indian market
but also in foreign shores. Women from all over the world purchase various
types of bangles based on the occasion.
In India, bangles represent the marital status of a
woman. During the wedding, the bride has to wear glass bangles that are a size
smaller than what she normally wears to ensure a smooth marital life, void of
hardships. In many states of India, brides have to wear gold bangles during
their marriage since it is a symbol or virginity. In addition to signifying the
romantic bond between the couples, bangles also symbolize prosperity and good
health. Bangles are not just an integral part of every Indian wedding, they are
also an integral part of baby showers that are normally held during the seventh
month of pregnancy.
The colors of the bangles also hold a special
significance in Indian culture. While the red ones bring in positive energy,
the green ones are symbols of prosperity. Gold bangles signify fortune and good
luck and the yellow ones represent happiness. A few years ago, these accessories
were used only along with traditional outfits such as sarees and salwar kameez,
but today there are designs that pair well with jeans and other modern designer
wear. Today, these accessories have transcended the boundaries of culture and
are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal.