Interesting Facts, Significance and Making of the Indian Glass Bangles

What are Glass Bangles and why do the Indian women wear them

• Glass bangles are colourful, beautiful, decorative, circular shaped, wrist ornament and an inseparable part of Indian culture and tradition. These are made of Gold, Silver, other metals, plastic, wood, beads, glass, and other such materials.
• Women, of all age groups love to wear them, as part of the Indian culture and tradition. They are one of the most important item, worn by married women, as part of their Solah Shringar or sixteen decorations. They are considered mandatory for married women, and in fact, a part of their identity and feminity.
• Out of all the beautiful varieties, glass bangles are considered to be the most auspicious. They are most popular among young girls and married women. The Indian women generally prefer to combine gold bangles, along with the glass bangles, to adorn their wrists.
• In some parts of India, such as West Bengal and Orissa, Seashell bangles are worn by married women, along with a red bangle. While in South India, gold bangles are worn more prominently. Bangles may be called differently in different regions of India, but the sentiments behind wearing them, remains the same.
• Bangles are significantly different from bracelets. They are one circular piece, unlike bracelets, which have a cut or a joint in between.
• Bangles are available in the market in exclusive bangle shops. They are available in different sizes to suit individual requirements. To buy and wear the correct size is important. If someone doesn’t know about their size, it can be measured by the measuring tape.
• Bangles are worn by married women to adorn their hands. It's an age old belief that wearing glass bangles, brings good fortune to the husband, and the family in general.

How bangles are made, Source: YouTube

Significance of Wearing Glass Bangles by the Indian Women

• The beauty, elegance, and sound of the Glass Bangles is unmatched, and they are available in numerous colours and sizes, to match the Sarees or Anarkalis or other Indian dresses.
• The thinner the bangles, the more melodious sound it produces, when women wear it.
• The sound produced by the glass bangles, when they are worn by the woman in a home, keeps the negative energy away and brings positive energy all around.
• According to Ayurveda, gold, and silver provide energy to the body especially bones. When women wear bangles made by these, they have a positive impact on the women's wrist bones, which become weaker as she ages.
• Glass Bangles add to a women's personality, and this also reflects her sensitive heart, and love for the close ones.
• The fragile Glass Bangles are symbolic. They signify the fragile characteristics of Life and Relationships. Therefore, one must take proper care of both, just as we do for the glass.

What are Lac Bangles

• Lac is a sticky substance, produced by certain insects. Lac is also used to make bangles in many parts of India. Lac bangles are one of the oldest and are considered most auspicious for weddings and festivals.
• Each piece of bangle is the result of hard work, and lot of passion can be seen, for this traditional art of bangle making. Among the many creative ways to decorate the Lac bangles, bead work, cut glasses decorations, embroidery work, oil painting are worth mentioning.
• Traditional and classic, these bangles are studded with semi precious or precious stones, and other such decorative materials.
• They are made to suit different formal occasions, as well as for regular wear. One can find some gorgeous coloured 'Lac bangles' studded with precious stones for weddings or special occasions.
• Lac bangles are considered auspicious in many parts of India. They are believed to be a sign of good omen, and are worn by married women on all auspicious occasions. They are highly priced, compared to other glass bangles, but people don’t mind paying for them, for their sheer elegance, beauty and auspicious significance.
• Most popular colours among 'Lac bangles' are red, yellow, green, pink, maroon, golden, silver etc.

Different colours have different significance. While red colour is worn for ener and prosperity, green is considered auspicious for fertility and new life. Yellow is considered good for happiness, orange colour is good for success. Gold is important for prosperity and good luck and silver for strength and peace of mind.

Making of 'Lac Bangles', source: You tube

Bangle Making: A Traditional Indian Art

1. Bangles are worn by women, all over India, for their auspicious significance. They are in fact style statements, and women love paying more for their special, or customized bangles.
2. And why not----Lot of love, labour, creative thinking and passion is involved in making each piece of bangle.
3. Most of this traditional art is given shape by hands only. Artisans work on furnace with special tools, to make these dream bangles.
4. Transporting these bangles is a tough job and the bangles are packed with care in individual paper cardboard boxes, from factories to the shops.
5. According to the Indian culture and traditions, Bangles are not worn just as decorative ornaments, but they are a symbol of marriage, just as the wedding ring is, in the Western countries.
6. They are believed to bring good fortune and sound health for the husband and the entire family. They are believed to fill the married life with peace, prosperity, love and affection.
7. Hyderabad, in South India and Firozabad, in North India are the largest producers of bangles. Laad Bazar of Hyderabad is World famous market for bangles.

Enjoy the video about how bangles are made!

Chitrangada Sharan

Laad Bazaar, The World famous bangles market at Hyderabad, Source: YouTube

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2014 Chitrangada Sharan

Comments

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on September 24, 2020:

Scroll to Continue

The Red Ranger Becomes An Adventure In Another World gets a new trailer

Synth Single Review: “Where Tigers Are Said to Roam’’ by Color Theory

Easy and Instant Poha Rava Chilla

Thank you so much Peggy, for reading the article and appreciating it.

Yes, the glass bangles are an important accessory of the Indian women.

Glad you liked the information. Much appreciated.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 23, 2020:

Thanks for writing about the significance of what wearing bangles mean to Indian women. The video about how they are made was fascinating. The last video showed us a wide variety of them for sale. Some of them are gorgeous!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on October 28, 2018:

Thank you Dianna, for your appreciation and positive comments!

So good to read your thoughts. A very good day to you!

Dianna Mendez on October 28, 2018:

I've seen these in stores and have admired their simple beauty. Thanks for the education on the cultural significance.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on August 14, 2017:

Thanks Audrey for revisiting this article and appreciating it!

I am always pleased to hear from you .

It's great that you enjoy wearing bangles. The slightly thick ones go well with jeans and t-shirt. You can choose the colours according to your outfit. My daughter wears them with her Tshirt and jeans.

Thanks again and a very pleasant day to you!

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on August 13, 2017:

I'm making the rounds again on this hub - it's one of my favorites. You've shared so much good information about bangles.

These ornaments dress-up any style we choose to wear. I love adding bangles to my t-shirt and jeans attire. It may sound crazy but adding a bangle or two seems to give me a 'lift'.

The video about how bangles are made is so interesting. Thank you!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 21, 2015:

Thank you Cynthia, for reading and commenting on this hub!

Yes, Glass bangles are fragile but it is the Indian tradition to wear it, therefore women happily get into the habit of wearing it and also do their daily activities without even realising that they are wearing it.

Thank you so much for stopping by and I am glad you liked it.

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on December 21, 2015:

I love the look and sound of bangles. I didn't realize just how fragile the glass bangles are, however. I learned the hard way after a few of the broke. Even jut wearing them in the house was not the answer, neither was wearing them only when I'm writing. So, I have stopped wearing the glass bangles and just hang them from my lamp in my office to lighten my mood and spark creativity because they are so pretty. Thanks for enlightening me on their cultural significance and the craft of making them.

Take care.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on November 16, 2015:

Thank you Peg Cole, for reading and commenting on this hub!

I am pleased to read your appreciative and valuable comments! I agree with you that many precious art and craft is diminishing in many countries. People want quick money and as such prefer such professions which can earn them the same. There is a need to encourage, protect and preserve these skills. The Government of India is doing quite a lot on its own level but everyone has a responsibility with regard to this.

Thank you for mentioning your father here. Have a great day!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on November 16, 2015:

Thank you Dirt Farmer, for your kind visit and positive comments!

I am glad you enjoyed going through this hub and got some idea of the Indian culture and tradition.

Have a good day!

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on November 16, 2015:

Fascinating craft here and I truly enjoyed watching the video on how these are bangles made. Artisans are diminishing in numbers in many industries. These skills need to be preserved and passed to new generations. My Dad passed along the craft of being a locksmith.

Jill Spencer from United States on November 16, 2015:

An interesting, beautiful hub about glass bangles that really gives insight into your culture and traditions. Very pleasant to read!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on July 26, 2015:

Thank you peachpurple, for your kind visit and comments!

I am glad that you liked the hub and you like the Indian bangles.

peachy from Home Sweet Home on July 24, 2015:

i find indian bangles are colorful and the ringing sound is unique

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on February 27, 2015:

Thank you Bobbi Purvis, for your kind visit and appreciation of the hub!

Glad you liked this information. Many thanks for pinning it and sharing it on G+ and twitter.

Have a good day!

Barbara Purvis Hunter from Florida on February 26, 2015:

Hi,

What a great hub--informative and the really beautiful. I hope all is great in your world.

I am sharing this with twitter, pin it on my re-pin board and share with G+.

Have a great day.

Bobbi Purvis

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on February 17, 2015:

Thank you k-swarup, for your kind visit and appreciation!

Glad you liked this small effort.

k-swarup on February 17, 2015:

Great hub Chitrangada!! Thanks for sharing our beautiful culture with the world! :)

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 28, 2014:

Thank you aviannovice, for appreciating the hub!

Wish you a very happy and successful new year!

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on December 28, 2014:

Thanks for more information on your culture. I do so enjoy learning about it.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Prasetio, for your kind visit and comments!

Glad you liked the information about bangles. Thanks for voting up!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you AudreyHowitt, for your kind visit and appreciation!

Glad you liked the hub!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Audrey Hunt, for reading and appreciating!

I am pleased to know that you liked this hub. Besides leading to positive thoughts and energy, wearing gold, silver and glass bangles has many health benefits too.

Many thanks for sharing, pinning and voting up!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Nithya, for your kind visit and comments!

You are right that glass bangles need lot of care. I do love wearing both glass and lac bangles. It is customary too as you must be aware.

Glad you liked this hub!

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on December 04, 2014:

Interesting fact about Indian Bangles. I thought it was just a jewelry. I really enjoy the pictures as well. Thanks for writing and sharing with us. Voted up!

Prasetio

Audrey Howitt from California on December 04, 2014:

These are so beautiful! Just gorgeous!

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on December 04, 2014:

After reading this amazing hub on Indian Bangles, I see that I should wear gold and silver as well as glass. This is the most interesting hub Chitrangada. Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting and pinning on my pinterest board as well as sharing.

Hugs,

Audrey

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on December 04, 2014:

Great information about bangles, I used to wear glass bangles before but I stopped because they easily break off. I love Lac bangles they are really beautiful.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Venkatachariji, for your kind visit and comments!

I am glad you liked the hub. Many thanks for your votes!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Faith Reaper, for your kind visit and appreciation!

Glad to learn that you love wearing bangles. They have to be any women's favorite in any part of the World. Makes you feel so feminine and elegant! But as mentioned in the hub, there are strong reasons to wear it.

Thanks for your votes, tweet and pin! Have a blessed day!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you MHiggins, for your kind visit and comments!

Glad you liked this part of Indian culture.

Thanks and have a good day!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you billybuc, for your kind visit and comments!

Your continued support is much appreciated. Glad you liked the hub!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Susan Recipes, for your kind visit and comments!

I am glad you liked this hub. Glass bangles are my favorite too, much more than gold or silver.

Many thanks for your votes!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 04, 2014:

Thank you Devika, for your kind visit and appreciation!

Glad you liked it and your continued support is much appreciated!

Venkatachari M from Bangalore, India on December 03, 2014:

Very interesting and useful facts about bangles. You have put out everything in clear to the reader with good images and videos.

Voted up and interesting.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on December 03, 2014:

Oh, I love bangles, as they are so much fun to wear and truly beautiful. I never knew the history nor significance of bangles. I learned a lot through this wonderful hub.

Up ++++ tweeting and pinning

Blessings

Michael Higgins from Michigan on December 03, 2014:

Thank you for sharing the great facts and the culture! I really like learning about culture from around the world. Great article!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 03, 2014:

Those were interesting facts for sure. Thank you for the education...they really are beautiful.

Susan from India on December 03, 2014:

I have a huge collection of bangles and most of them are glass bangles. I simply love this ornament. Thanks for sharing so much about bangles. Voted up.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on December 03, 2014:

My favorite! I like these bangles and would love to buy more. I like the photos and such beauty indeed.