In the midst of joyful celebrations, the tinkling sound of anklets not only brings a sense of positivity, but also elegantly combines the essence of tradition and modern fashion. These anklets symbolize femininity, grace, social status, and love from the person who gifts them. In certain regions of our country, anklets are known as "payal" or "tolusu" and hold great significance in Indian bridal jewelry due to their social and spiritual importance.
Many households view the sound of an anklet as a silent signal for men to exhibit respectful behavior when a female family member is present. Meanwhile, others find joy in hearing a young girl, cherished by her relatives, running through the historic hallways.
Regardless of the reasons, anklets appear to be highly valued in Indian culture. Many women nowadays choose to wear anklets for the first time when they are shopping for their traditional Indian bridal jewelry. However, finding the perfect anklet can be overwhelming for brides due to the wide range of choices available. In this blog, we will discuss the significance of anklets as an elegant addition to traditional Indian bridal jewelry, as well as their representation of a cherished symbol of marriage.
Bridal jewelry: Embracing tradition and celebrating opulence
As we begin to explore the enchanting world of Indian bridal jewelry, we are reminded of the deep significance each piece holds in the lives of women. Among these adornments, the anklet, although often unseen by others, carries a unique meaning for each age group. For a married woman, it symbolizes being bound in a divine partnership with her soulmate. For a young girl, it represents the grace and vitality she exudes to the world. However, anklets are not exclusive to Indian bridal jewelry or our society; they have been present since ancient times in civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Surprisingly, a number of uncovered anklets have endured throughout history, dating as far back as 4000 BCE. Unlike the anklets we see today, these ancient ones were constructed by attaching animal teeth or bones to a thread.
During ancient times in Egypt, anklets were seen as a way for women from wealthy families to demonstrate their wealth and success. They would wear anklets made of gold or silver as a symbol of their prosperity. Women from lower social classes, on the other hand, found clever ways to wear anklets made of wood or made their own by combining a string with a valuable gem. They believed that these anklets had spiritual powers that could bring them good luck.
In the present day, women wear anklets on their ankles for various purposes, such as promoting good health, attracting prosperity, or purely for the pleasure of showcasing beauty.
Anklets are the epitome of the enchanting allure found in traditional Indian bridal jewelry
All of us are familiar with the timeless tradition of the Solah Sringaar, also known as sixteen adornments. This tradition is a magnificent display of elegance and the strength of femininity. However, while we admire its beauty, we frequently overlook the amount of thought and research involved in creating these rituals.
Every component in this ritual has been intentionally integrated to highlight a woman's overall health, societal position, inner peace, and future possibilities. This encompasses the anklet, a significant item of traditional Indian bridal ornamentation adorning a woman's ankles.
Health in Ayurveda is believed to be a harmonious condition of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Nadis, the energy channels, help regulate this energy, and by wearing an anklet, preferably made of silver, one can ensure that this energy remains rooted within oneself. In various texts, it is stated that wearing anklets made of silver or copper can also help correct hormonal imbalances in the body. Moreover, anklets are believed to provide relief in the early stages of sciatic nerve pain and enhance blood circulation by exerting pressure on the legs.
Indian women commonly opt for silver jewelry as it is a favored choice among various metals. One prevailing notion claims that silver has the ability to boost immunity and enhance the circulation of blood. Additionally, it is believed that wearing silver jewelry aids in promoting the smooth flow of energy and hormones in the body.
In many cultures, it is a common tradition to incorporate practices that enhance a bride's beauty and well-being, while also aligning with Ayurveda and traditional customs. These beliefs are frequently handed down from one generation to another.