Bangles are a significant part of the ornaments that Indian women wear. They hold a unique significance to married women as they are a symbol of their marriage. Bangles can never be separated from Indian culture and this is why you can see them feature in numerous folk songs and films too.
The word “bangle” originated from the word Bangali or Bangri, which in Sanskrit offers the meaning “the jewel that embellishes the arm”. They are sported by women all over the globe for fashion and style, however, they come from a set of particular customs in the culture of India. This thin and rigid ornament that is quite identical to a solid bracelet has infinite significance in Indian culture.
Here are some pointers to let you know why gold bangles are a special part of the culture, particularly for weddings.
The identity of every bride
Bangles are conventionally a part of the solah shringar of the brides. It is obligatory for newlywed and would-be-brides to sport bangles made of gold, glass, or any other metals since they indicate the long life of their spouse. They imply prosperity and good fortune. Conventionally breaking the lac bangles or bridal glass bangles is considered ill-fated.
Bangles eventually have become fashionable to suit a more modern look, but they are still as essential as they were several decades ago. Bangles that have geometric designs have a funky look, but, when it comes to conventional ceremonies only metal bangles or circular glass bangles are favoured. People in various states of the nation use various names for these bangles. However, they have the same significance in Indian wedding tradition, albeit the geographical boundaries.
The traditional importance of bangles
Each region has an individual set of rituals that are linked with bangles. Would-be-brides sport the smallest possible varieties using oil. This implies that her life marriage would be full of affection and love.
Southern states
Gold is considered to be very auspicious in the southern parts of the country. In certain communities, brides wear gold bangles for women and green glass bangles, as green is said to represent prosperity and fertility.
Bengal
A Bengal bride sports a red coral bangle [Pola] and a conch shell bangle [Shakha]. Her mother-in-law would gift her gold plated iron variety as she enters the household. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the brides sport Chooda or ivory bangles. The maternal uncle of the bridge offers Chooda to the Gujarati bride in a ritual that is called mameru, together with a bridal silk saree that has a red border.
Punjab
The brides-to-be in Punjab sport red and ivory bangles [chooda]. Here again, the maternal uncle gives her these bangles. She is meant to wear them for a particular time period [for at least 40 days or even longer depending on her family custom].
Maharashtra
The bridal chooda in Maharashtra is considerably different. The bride is supposed to sport green glass bangles in quantity of 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 [odd numbers]. The green implies fertility, creativity, and new life. The bride sports them together with carved kadas known as tode and solid gold bangles known as patlya. The gold bangles are typically gifted by the family of groom.
The importance of colours
Various coloured bangles usually indicate different things. Red denotes energy and prosperity, whilst green signifies fertility and good luck. Yellow bangles are supposed to bring happiness, while orange signifies success and white denotes new beginnings. Silver bangles imply strength and gold bangles are the best sign of prosperity and fortune. For the latest bangle varieties, you can check here.
Bangles are not merely an ornament for any Indian woman. They literally love it and they treat it as more than just an accessory. It is a part of their individuality. It is considered ill-fated to be bare-handed particularly for a married woman for the majority of Indian weddings. Sikh tradition says that the Sikh woman shouldn’t purchase the bangles she sports.