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My own off-the-cuff (so to speak) answer: It's a fashion trend that has been around for quite a while. To the best of my knowledge, it's not geographic-specific, except that it would seem logical that it might be more prevalent in warmer climates where the ankle is more exposed more of the time.
I googled it and found:
From wiki.answers: Although some people may like to think there is a meaning (such as one side representing heterosexuality and the other the opposite), there is no common definition. It simply means that is the ankle you prefer to wear the bracelet on.
Though the above may be true for most people one should note that in some circles/lifestyles the wearing of an ankle bracelet DOES have significant meaning. In somewhat recent history (20-30yrs) the wearing of an anklet was generally considered to indicate the wearer was "available" for the right price. More recently however, if someone is involved in the "swinging" lifestyle you may find a piece of jewelry around an ankle, generally the right but not always, indicating that she is available & looking (even if there is a ring on her finger). But of course sometimes, in fact, most times, the ankle bracelet is just another piece of jewelry because it makes her feel pretty.
From bjbead dot com: An anklet or ankle bracelet is a chain or other material worn around the ankle. There are specific ankle bracelet meanings attached to this fashion jewelry in many countries depending on their traditions and beliefs.
The ancient Sumerians lived in the Mesopotamian region about 4500 years ago. Unearthed Sumerian graves show that this civilization was the first in recorded history to leave evidence of wearing ankle bracelets. The ankle bracelets meaning that the ancient Sumerian civilization attached to this jewelry was that when worn by a woman it was an indication of the wealth of her husband. It is recorded the Sumerians wore finger rings, toe rings and necklaces. In ancient Egypt, people enjoyed wearing jewelry. The upper classes were well known for coveting beautiful pieces of jewelry and were very trendy and interested in fashion. The poorer classes resorted to wearing ankle bracelets which they believed to bring good luck and fortune. The ankle bracelet became popular in the United States in the twentieth century. A common belief is that wearing the ankle on one side represents heterosexuality and wearing it on the other side represents homosexuality.
Today, people enjoy the sparkle of a dainty ankle bracelet and wear all types, from a slim silver one to a more chunky costume jewelry anklet.
Great post, roadpony. Yes, jewelry as adornment has been around since early times, including ankle jewelry. Most museums have wonderful pieces on view. Check out Egyptian paintings and sculpture...they adored jewelry and in that case, it did have significant meaning.
There can be specific reasons, or not.... just like wearing earrings etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadpony
My own off-the-cuff (so to speak) answer: It's a fashion trend that has been around for quite a while. To the best of my knowledge, it's not geographic-specific, except that it would seem logical that it might be more prevalent in warmer climates where the ankle is more exposed more of the time.
I googled it and found:
From wiki.answers: Although some people may like to think there is a meaning (such as one side representing heterosexuality and the other the opposite), there is no common definition. It simply means that is the ankle you prefer to wear the bracelet on.
Though the above may be true for most people one should note that in some circles/lifestyles the wearing of an ankle bracelet DOES have significant meaning. In somewhat recent history (20-30yrs) the wearing of an anklet was generally considered to indicate the wearer was "available" for the right price. More recently however, if someone is involved in the "swinging" lifestyle you may find a piece of jewelry around an ankle, generally the right but not always, indicating that she is available & looking (even if there is a ring on her finger). But of course sometimes, in fact, most times, the ankle bracelet is just another piece of jewelry because it makes her feel pretty.
From bjbead dot com: An anklet or ankle bracelet is a chain or other material worn around the ankle. There are specific ankle bracelet meanings attached to this fashion jewelry in many countries depending on their traditions and beliefs.
The ancient Sumerians lived in the Mesopotamian region about 4500 years ago. Unearthed Sumerian graves show that this civilization was the first in recorded history to leave evidence of wearing ankle bracelets. The ankle bracelets meaning that the ancient Sumerian civilization attached to this jewelry was that when worn by a woman it was an indication of the wealth of her husband. It is recorded the Sumerians wore finger rings, toe rings and necklaces. In ancient Egypt, people enjoyed wearing jewelry. The upper classes were well known for coveting beautiful pieces of jewelry and were very trendy and interested in fashion. The poorer classes resorted to wearing ankle bracelets which they believed to bring good luck and fortune. The ankle bracelet became popular in the United States in the twentieth century. A common belief is that wearing the ankle on one side represents heterosexuality and wearing it on the other side represents homosexuality.
Today, people enjoy the sparkle of a dainty ankle bracelet and wear all types, from a slim silver one to a more chunky costume jewelry anklet.
I am with Elizza. My husband bought me one years ago & had a Mickey Mouse head made for it. It is small and most people wouldn't know it as anything but a gold chain. I like it and at least I can take it off, unlike a tatoo. LOL.
I still have a set of ankle bracelets. [they match my sets of WRIST bracelets]
Hand and ankle restraints for anyone who didn't get it.
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Great post, roadpony. Yes, jewelry as adornment has been around since early times, including ankle jewelry. Most museums have wonderful pieces on view. Check out Egyptian paintings and sculpture...they adored jewelry and in that case, it did have significant meaning.
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