Think of eastern jewelry and the first thing that comes to mind is bangles.
Not just any bangles, but glass bangles that go chuunn with each movement of
the wrist! Typically worn by the nobility in days gone by, these ornaments
have since become very popular with women of all ages. The romance connected
with chooree kee chankaar has not only been an integral part of our heritage
but is now a part of all festive occasions in our culture.
Bangles or churi are traditional ornaments worn mostly by South Asian women
in India and Pakistan. It is tradition that the bride will try to wear as
many small glass bangles as possible at her wedding and the honeymoon will
end when the last bangle breaks. Toddler to older woman could wear bangles
based on the type of bangles. Bangles made of gold or silver are preferred
for toddlers.
Video: Mahi Way Menoo Lal Charha
Dey Chura.....
Bangles are circular in shape, and, unlike bracelets, are not flexible. The
word is derived from Hindi bungri (glass). They are made of numerous
precious as well as non-precious materials such as gold, silver, platinum,
glass, wood, ferrous metals, plastic, etc. Bangles made from see shell,
which are white color, are worn by married Bengali Hindu women.
Bangles are part of traditional Indian/Pakistani jewelry. They are usually
worn in pairs by women, one or more on each arm. Most Indian/Pakistani women
prefer wearing either gold or glass bangles or combination of both.
Inexpensive bangles made from plastic are slowly replacing those made by
glass, but the ones made of glass are still preferred at traditional
occasions such as marriages and on festivals.
The designs range from simple to intricate handmade designs, often studded
with precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, gems and pearls.
Sets of expensive bangles made of gold and silver make a jingling sound. The
imitation jewelry, tend to make a tinny sound when jingled.
There are two basic types of bangles: a solid cylinder type; and a split,
cylindrical spring opening/closing type. Primary distinguishing factor for
these is the material that is used to make the bangles. This may vary
anything from glass to jade to metal to lac and even rubber or plastic.
- Types of Bangles
Adorning bangles in arms has been an Indian/Pakistani tradition since time
immemorial. Bangles enhance the overall grace and beauty of woman as well as
perfectly complement ethnic or casual wear. Depending on our traditions and
customs, there are different types of bangles that are worn by women. Below
is a brief description of each:
Bangles:
Bangles are solid in form and usually not flexible as in the case of
bracelets. Bangles made of glass in different colors are the most popular
type of bangles. Bangles form the most essential part of traditional
jewellery, and are usually worn in pairs on one or both wrists. Besides
glass, bangles are also made of numerous precious as well non-precious
materials like gold, silver, steel, platinum, wood, ferrous, metal, plastic
etc. The designs vary from plain or simple to intricately ornate patterns
studded with precious or semi-precious gems or stones like diamonds, pearls
or other gems. The more ornate bangles are best suited for special
occasions. They complete the traditional outfits and the more modern designs
go perfectly well with western outfits as well a perfect amalgamation of
indo/pak-western fashion styles. Bangles are usually smooth textured and
when made from ordinary glass measure about 1/4 - 1/8 inch in width.
Kangan:
Kangan is a type bangle which is much thicker than the usual bangles. The
more ornate kanghans are usually worn on each wrist to impart a minimalist
and rich look. These again are available in different materials like gold,
silver, brass, metal, wood etc. either plain or intricately carved or
designed in precious or semi-precious gems.
Wedding Bangles - Chura (Set Of Bridal Bangles in Maroon / Red & White):
In a typical Punjabi wedding the activities begin weeks before the actual
marriage ceremony takes place. As friends and relatives pour in, the wedding
home starts acquiring a carnival like atmosphere. After the formal
engagement the real festivities begin.
One of the most important ritual connected with the bride's wedding is
Churha or the bangles ceremony, where the maternal uncle (mama) of the bride
cover the bride's wrists with and a set of white and red bangles called
CHURA (Wedding Bangles) for the girl. Hence it is also known as Mama Chura.
A Punjabi bride’s wedding adornment includes red and white bridal bangles,
gold jewelry, and intricate henna painting, highlighting her natural beauty
and showcases her simple and elegant taste in clothes and jewelry.
The bride wears heavy gold jewelry and tikka in the parting of her hair (a
glittering pendent on her head). She drapes her head and shoulders with the
dupatta, a richly embroidered mantle. A nath adorns her nose. The bride, in
red, and gold-laden with ivory chura worn in hand, gently glides out with
her friends, her petal feet giving out music to scatter flowers on "his" way
and receives " him".
Wedding atmosphere prevails in both the families and women assemble and sing
songs of marriage to the accompaniment of drums eulogizing the velour of the
boy and the beauty of the girl.
Ladies Bangles:
These find a great demand to wear with plain or embroidered salwar kameez,
churidar kameez, sharara kurta or Punjabi suit (a dress as popular as the
traditional Saree / Sari) and tribal belly dancing outfits and also a great
match with western styles like skirts, jeans and pants as well. These have
become a choice in accessories for ladies in parties and formal gatherings.
One factor that adds to the price of the bangles is the artifacts or the
work done further on the metal. This includes embroidery or small glass
pieces or paintings or even small hangings that are attached to the bangles.
The rareness of a color and its unique value also increase the value.
Bangles made from lac are one of the oldest ones and among the brittle
category too. Lac is clay like material which is molded in hot kilns-like
places to make these bangles. Among the recent entrants are the rubber
bangles that are worn more like a wrist band by youngsters while the plastic
ones are there to add the trendy look.
Normally, a bangle worn by people around the world is simply an inflexible
piece of jewelry worn around the wrist. However, in many cultures,
especially in the South Asia and in Arabian Peninsula, bangles have evolved
into various types in which different ones are used at different occasions.
These are so beautiful that whoever sees them would like to own these. You
will be the centre of attraction wearing these bangles, while attending any
wedding reception or formal parties
Seemi Saeed 
