Spiritual & Cultural Meanings of Anklets

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Learn what ankle bracelets symbolize across cultures and eras

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Cory Schifter

Last Updated: August 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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Social Meanings

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Historical & Cultural Meanings

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Spiritual Meanings

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Wearing Ankle Bracelets

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Tips

Ankle bracelets are a cute accessory to wear to the beach or a party, but did you know they sometimes have special meanings? Historically, ankle bracelets represented wealth, social status, and marital status, and they’re also known to promote good luck, wealth, and fertility. Keep reading as we explain all the spiritual, cultural, and social meanings of ankle bracelets, plus how to wear them appropriately.

Things You Should Know

In modern times, ankle bracelets are fashion accessories used to express yourself and your style.
Historically, ankle bracelets represent love and devotion and were often given as wedding gifts in various cultures.
Wearing a gold anklet is sometimes believed to attract money and good luck.

Section 1 of 4:

Modern Social Meanings of Ankle Bracelets

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In general, ankle bracelets don’t have a specific meaning in modern Western society. They’re just worn as a fashion accessory to add some fun to an outfit and draw attention to the legs and feet.
Anklets are often associated with bohemian fashion, and in general, people who dress in this style tend to be very mellow and go with the flow. If you wear an ankle bracelet, people might assume you have similar views on life.^{[1]
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An anklet on your right ankle might mean you’re single. While ankle bracelets don’t typically have an official meaning in the Western world, some people believe wearing an anklet on your right ankle means you’re single and actively seeking a relationship.
- Alternatively, wearing an ankle bracelet on your left ankle can indicate you’re married or in a committed relationship.
- In some cultures, these meanings are reversed; married women wear anklets on their right ankle, while unmarried women wear them on their left.
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Men may wear ankle bracelets to reject gender roles. Traditionally, ankle bracelets have been a feminine accessory mostly worn by women. These days, men may wear them to defy societal expectations, express themselves, and create their own values.^{[2]
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- Some people also believe that wearing an ankle bracelet on your left ankle means you’re a member of the LGBT+ community, but this doesn’t seem to be a widely held belief.

Section 2 of 4:

Ankle Bracelet Historical & Cultural Meanings

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In Ancient Egypt, ankle bracelets represented social class. Women wore silver or gold ankle bracelets to indicate their husbands were wealthy. On the other hand, slaves sometimes wore anklets made of leather.^{[3]
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- In some other African cultures, husbands gave their wives ankle bracelets to symbolize their commitment.
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In Hinduism, ankle bracelets offer protection. Wearing an ankle bracelet on your left ankle serves as a talisman against illness and bad omens.^{[4]
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- Similarly, some Native American tribes believed wearing an ankle bracelet with a feather brought good luck and warded off negative energy.
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In some Indian cultures, an anklet on the left ankle represents femininity. In these beliefs, the left side of the body is associated with the female spirit and intuition, so many women wear an ankle bracelet on the left ankle to enhance their feminine qualities and sensuality.
- In Hindu culture, women are often gifted ankle bracelets and charms as wedding gifts to bless them with fertility and good fortune.
Wearing an anklet on the right ankle helps balance your chi, or your life energy, and brings positivity to your life.

Section 3 of 4:

Ankle Bracelet Spiritual Meanings

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Shield yourself from negativity by wearing an ankle bracelet. If you’re prone to negative thought patterns, ankle bracelets can help shield you from bag energy so you can focus on the positive.
Wearing an ankle bracelet helps you attract positivity into your life. They’re a sign that good things are coming and that your life will change for the better. They also encourage you to stop and smell the roses.^{[5]
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Just as ankle bracelets can attract good luck, they can also attract money. If you want or need some extra cash or financial help, wear a gold anklet to bring prosperity.^{[6]
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When you’re confused about a situation or need to find the right answer, wearing a silver anklet can help. Silver anklets help clear your mind and provide assurance from the spiritual world.^{[7]
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Ankle bracelets encourage you to stick to your conviction. They tell you to never back down from your decisions and goals no matter how others discourage you.
Anklets often represent devotion and relationships. Wearing one helps recharge your romantic energy to improve excitement and intimacy in your relationship. They’re also known to encourage fertility.^{[8]
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Section 4 of 4:

When & Where to Wear an Ankle Bracelet

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Wear an ankle bracelet at a casual event or location. Ankle bracelets are a great way to draw attention to your legs, so many people wear them at the beach or by the pool. Wear them on vacation, at a party, or at a music festival to show off your style.^{[9]
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Research source} You can wear an anklet on either the right or left side.
- In general, wear your ankle bracelet on a bare leg. While you can opt to wear an anklet under your pants if you need to keep it hidden, people generally avoid wearing them with pantyhose.
- Choose an ankle bracelet that complements your shoes. Try wearing one with sandals or flip-flops rather than ankle boots or sneakers.
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Avoid wearing an ankle bracelet in a professional setting. Because anklets are associated with a laidback lifestyle and some have charms that make noise, it’s probably not a good idea to wear them to work or in quiet public places like libraries.^{[10]
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- Ankle bracelets aren’t attached to a specific culture or belief system, so you don’t have to worry about cultural appropriation when wearing them. Just be considerate of those around you if your anklet makes noise.

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Tips

If you really want to wear an anklet in a professional setting, choose a dainty chain made of gold or silver.

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You can make your own ankle bracelet using beads and string.

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