Anklets worn on the left ankle have long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Though once commonly associated with slavery and servitude, left ankle anklets today have an entirely different symbolic meaning that is both beautiful and profound.
To understand the modern significance of the left ankle anklet, we must first trace its origins and evolution throughout history. Anklets date back to ancient Egypt, where they were worn by women of all social classes. During the Roman era, anklets signified wealth and status. Later, in Indian culture, anklets took on special meaning – with distinctions made between those worn on the left versus right ankle.
The Historical Journey of the Left Ankle Anklet
In ancient Egypt, beaded and metallic ankle bracelets were a popular accessory among women. The jingling sound was believed to placate the gods. More lavish anklets denoted social rank, with extra beads and rare materials indicating nobility. Anklets were even buried with mummies to please deities in the afterlife.
In Rome, anklets became a status symbol among sophisticated women. Made of gold and silver, they demonstrated affluence. Interestingly, Roman prostitutes were forbidden to wear ankle bracelets, reserving them for upstanding matrons.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the symbolism shifted. Anklets acquired an association with dance and promiscuity, worn by lower-class women. This was likely linked to the anklet’s visibility and the revealing of the ankle during dance.
The Left Ankle Anklet in India
On the Indian subcontinent, anklets have long held cultural and religious significance. Women wear anklets as ceremonial jewelry in weddings and festivals. The pleasant tinkling sound is thought to echo divine creativity.
In many parts of India, anklets are worn exclusively on the left ankle by married women as a sign of their matrimonial commitment. Unmarried women may wear anklets on either ankle or both. The left ankle is linked to femininity, creativity, and the inner world.
During traditional Hindu weddings, anklets play a central role. The groom places an anklet on the bride’s left ankle in the “tying the anklets” ritual, representing their eternal bond and the bride’s wifely duties. Bells on the anklet are said to keep away demons.
Protection Against the Evil Eye
In the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, anklets with charms worn on the left ankle have an apotropaic function – they protect against the evil eye. The jingling sound is thought to avert the envious gazes that cause misfortune.
Hand symbols, eye charms, fish shapes, and religious motifs decorate these anklets. Some feature blue beads to symbolically ward off jealousy. The overt sound and visual symbols work together to keep children and women safe from harm.
The Modern Meaning of Left Ankle Adornments
During the 19th century in Victorian England, ankle bracelets were considered provocative, often associated with erotic dancers. However, the sexual revolution of the 1960s reclaimed anklets as symbols of feminine freedom and empowerment.
Today, left ankle anklets hold a positive meaning infused with themes of creativity, independence, and sacred spirituality. Their once scandalous reputation has evolved into an emblem of liberation and mystery.
The Divine Feminine
Modern left ankle anklets are symbols of feminine divinity, intuitively understood through the left side. The anklet’s delicate visual beauty and pleasing sounds connect to the inner goddess, calling on the creative Shakti force.
This divine feminine energy balances the strong yang masculine principle. Anklets signify embracing all parts of oneself and honoring the soul’s natural rhythm.
Kundalini Awakening
In yogic philosophy, left ankle bracelets have significance for raising kundalini energy through balancing chakras. The left side corresponds to the ida nadi, associated with introversion and the moon.
Anklets with gemstones apply vibrational healing to stimulate energy up through the chakras on the left channel. The ankle location also activates the root chakra, igniting kundalini’s upward movement to expanded consciousness.
Sexuality and Sensuality
Left ankle anklets today imply an aura of sensuality and mystery. The anklet’s proximity to the foot frees it from strict norms, lending a subtle erotic undertone. Anklets may be worn privately to embrace sacred sexuality.
Publicly, left ankle anklets hint alluringly at the intimate through ankle exposure. Their revival by celebrities channels a sexually liberated image.
Cultural Variations in Meaning
While the left ankle anklet universally represents feminine energy, additional symbolic meanings vary cross-culturally.
Egyptian Beliefs
In ancient Egypt, beaded anklets denoted social status, with elite women wearing more elaborate gold anklets. The beads’ pleasant sound was thought to calm the gods. Anklets were even placed on mummies to please deities in the afterlife.
Western Perspectives
During the 20th century, left ankle anklets signaled sexuality and dance in the West. However, as female liberation expanded, anklets reclaimed independence and empowerment. Anklets remain an intimate option, subtly defiant of norms.
Indian Viewpoints
Indian philosophy views left ankle anklets as representing devotion, creativity, and unity in marriage. However, some unmarried women wear left anklets to signal romantic availability. The sound mimics divine Shakti energy.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Beliefs
In these regions, left ankle anklets protect women and children from the evil eye. Jingling charms ward off envy and curse-causing jealousy. Hand, eye, fish, and religious motifs incorporate apotropaic symbolism.
Far from just fashionable adornments, left ankle anklets hold profound meaning across cultures. They represent feminine divinity, social status, sexuality, protection, commitment, and creative energy. Though their symbolism has evolved through the ages, left ankle anklets remain soulful reminders to embrace the sacred self.