While todays trend of wearing rubber wristbands is certainly a relatively recent development in the course of human history, the practice of wearing a band on ones wrist as a symbolic gesture is not a new concept. The bracelets worn in ancient Roman, Chinese, and Indian cultures, however, had quite different meanings than the rubber bracelets people wear today in an effort to express their support of a variety of social and political causes, including disease awareness, prevention, and eradication, as well as acknowledging a societal need to eliminate violence and poverty.The allure of these simple, inexpensive bracelets has crossed class divides. Whether it is on the wrists of movie stars or military personnel, famous athletes or future presidents, these wristbands are being seen worldwide. In a gesture to honor the men and women who died fighting in the Iraq War, Barack Obama donned a black (albeit metal) wristband in his successful
2008 bid for the US presidency.
In the early 2000s, the color of a rubber wristband signified ones allegiance to a certain cause or belief:
The purple wristband denoted solidarity in the fight to eliminate domestic violence.
Pink wristbands signified the desire to eradicate breast cancer, and
The bright yellow wristband worn by those supporting world-champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in his 2004 Livestrong campaign against cancer have been among the most popular.
These wristbands are not particularly difficult to find or acquire as they are widely available, and at a minimal cost of one (US) dollar, on average.
In fact, students at Bellflower High School in Bellflower, California took wristbands for charity to another level. This semester they began making bracelets by stringing together colorful beads, to sell for $1 apiece. The students plan to donate the money earned to disadvantaged children in modern India, in need of surgery to repair cleft palates. On one recent afternoon, dedicated teens raised over $100 for the “Smile Train” organization by making and selling beaded wristbands.
Though todays wristbands are a means to deal with some very serious causes, they are usually worn quite casually. This was not the case in ancient Rome, China, and India where these bracelets were taken more seriously.
In Greek culture, women would adorn their arms above and below the elbow with wrappings of gold or silver, perfect accents to their flowing gowns and elaborate hairstyles. Often these bracelets would be detailed with animals such as lions or snakes to ward off evil spirits. Conversely, Greek men wore metal or thick leather cuffs along the forearms to protect their arms during deadly fights on the battlefields.
For instance, in ancient China, kings and aristocrats wore bracelets with detailed designs including dragons and phoenixes as well as incorporating various metals with precious stones as a display of wealth and power. Bracelets were as much a part of an ancient Chinese kings attire as his silk robes and head coverings.
And lastly, in a tradition still existing today not unlike a Westerners wedding ring, gold bangles were worn as one of the signs of a womans marital status in ancient India. The value and number of bangles a woman wore were a direct reflection of her husbands prominence and wealth.
