Our distant ancestors bequeathed to us a lot of traditions, most of which we observe to this day. Sometimes, we don’t even think about the history of the origin of a particular cultural custom, wearing an outfit or holding a celebration. For example, peoples who lived thousands of years ago left women the tradition of decorating themselves, wearing earrings, rings, and bracelets. As for bracelets, modern women often think about putting them on their feet. But which leg the bracelet is worn on . We will help you figure this out.
Fashionable or vulgar?
Women have worn ankle bracelets since ancient times. They periodically become very fashionable, then gradually lose popularity, and this cycle repeats itself for many centuries. In the past, however, there were times and cultures when a chain on the leg indicated that a woman belonged to a very specific category of ladies with frivolous behavior. An ankle bracelet was considered something frivolous, even vulgar, and was worn only by priestesses of love and courtesans.
But today such decoration does not surprise anyone, and no one will accuse the girl of promiscuity. In the East, the anklet is a traditional national decoration. In Western culture, it most often expresses the owner’s interest in the attention of the opposite sex.
Body painting
Not all girls can decide to get a real tattoo. Some are afraid of the pain, others are afraid of the inability to remove the drawing when they get tired of it. If you really want to decorate yourself with something unusual, try the ancient art of mehendi. This is body painting with natural henna, which was held in high esteem by the Egyptian queens. They used it for religious ceremonies.
In India, mehendi on a woman's body shows others that she is married. Intricate designs help keep his love and wealth in the home. The ritual of henna painting is an invariable attribute of an Indian wedding. It gives the bride prosperity and protection.
Each henna design has its own meaning. Therefore, before applying, try to find out its hidden meaning, because experts in this field believe that it can have a certain impact on a person’s life.
Mehendi designs for feet come in different types.
- With Arabic motifs. This is a floral design similar to embroidery.
- African or Moroccan. Geometric shapes are woven into the floral design.
- Indian. These are the most intricate patterns, including religious symbols, dots, lines, small flowers and leaves.
- Asian. They combine Indian and Arabic motifs.
Mehendi in the form of an anklet, which beautifully wraps around the ankle, looks elegant and graceful.
Symbolism
The meaning of an ankle bracelet in our country may vary. And most often, decoration only means that a woman wants to look more attractive and sexy. But sometimes it has a specific meaning. For example:
- Chains on the leg of a special weave and with the necessary stones served in ancient times as amulets against evil forces. Some girls even today attach mystical meaning to them and wear them as a talisman against poverty and disease.
- In some cultures, a bracelet on the left leg is considered analogous to a wedding ring.
- In Western culture, ankle chains represent free-thinking, liberation and sexual freedom.
Not only the weaving will be of great importance, but also the decorative elements - they carry their own meaning and often change the meaning of the decoration to the opposite. If we talk about amulets, then most often they buy ankle bracelets made of silver. This metal itself has special mystical properties, and in combination with the right stones and incantations, it protects its owner from many troubles.
But still, anklets perform mainly an aesthetic function, and everything else is thought out by their owner.
Which leg should I wear it on?
Women are also interested not only in the question of what an ankle bracelet means, but also which ankle bracelet it should be worn on. In ancient times, this was of great importance and could cast a shadow on the reputation of the charming woman.
So, the chain on her left ankle meant that the beauty received this gift from her lover and her heart was occupied. Whereas on the right it could mean that its owner belongs to the category of corrupt women or her pronounced lesbian inclinations.
In some cultures, on the contrary, a bracelet on the left leg was considered a distinctive sign of accessible girls. Whereas the chain on the right signaled to the stronger sex that the lady was not against dating and flirting.
By and large, the question of which leg to wear a bracelet on has long been outdated. Today everyone decorates themselves as they want. And the most unpleasant thing that can happen is to hear a bad joke from a boring history expert in some company.
Material
Anklets are made from a wide variety of materials. Jewelry made of noble gold is considered traditional - chains and rings of any weaving, ornaments and thickness. Anklets made of silver are especially popular - they have a soft, mesmerizing shine, and at the same time they are much cheaper. Often in famous jewelry houses you can see products made of platinum or interspersed with real precious stones - diamonds or rubies.
But jewelry on the leg is most often made from more “mundane” materials. For example, made of bright colored plastic, which looks very stylish and youthful. A separate class of costume jewelry is made from ordinary base alloys; recently, wide steel ankle rings have become fashionable.
Anklets in ethnic style, made from ropes and ornamental stones, look very interesting. You can easily assemble an ankle bracelet from beads with your own hands - girls who are passionate about this craft create real masterpieces. Also, we must not forget about decorations made of wood, birch bark, fresh flowers, fabric or leather.
Historical and geographical excursion
Don't think that the ankle bracelet is a new phenomenon in the fashion world. Far from it: fashionistas realized a long time ago that graceful feet, decorated with bracelets, act on members of the opposite sex like a magnet.
The first such jewelry was found as a result of excavations in Southern Mesopotamia (in the territory of modern Iraq). The ancient Sumerians enjoyed wearing intricate necklaces made of different metals and decorated with precious stones.
These decorations were also favored in Ancient Egypt. Wealthy ladies decorated their legs with gold items in combination with precious stones, while commoners and slaves were limited to simpler options: copper, iron, wood and even leather.
But foot jewelry is most widespread in India. Almost all women there have worn them since ancient times, but temple dancers were especially fond of them. By the way, they danced in very light clothes (and sometimes without them at all), but their wrists and ankles wore a lot of jewelry that jingled as they danced.
Features of authentic dances of Ancient India require precise fixation of steps. The ringing of bracelets with bells is organically woven into the music, giving rise to a unique sound and visual pattern.
However, similar jewelry is still worn in India today. Young girls usually decorate their legs with simple bracelets, and the sign of a married lady is payalas.
Once upon a time, anklets in the form of metal plates were one of the popular jewelry for women in India. They were worn by the bride at the wedding and sealed in a ceremonial setting, making them irremovable. These are the wedding rings with Indian flavor!
To this day, in one of the regions of India, Rajasthan, women wear heavy silver anklets, the weight of which reaches 1.5-2 kilograms. They are often connected by chains: naturally, it is difficult for the wearer of such precious “shackles” to walk, but local residents consider the mincing gait a symbol of femininity and attractiveness.
By the way, profiles on both legs, connected by chains, have taken root in the Middle East and Japan - where women who move with mincing steps are valued.
Foot jewelry was also popular in Europe during the Bronze Age. True, our ancestors did not wear such jewelry (in any case, archaeologists have not found material evidence of this), but during excavations in Western Europe, many anklets were discovered.
Gold bracelet with cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
However, in some countries (for example, Mongolia or Armenia), wearing jewelry on the legs was not only unwelcome, but served as a certain social marker. Anklets were worn primarily by ladies of the most ancient profession.
The beginning of the 20th century can be considered the starting point of the modern European history of questionnaires. It was then that the magnificent dancer-spy Margaret Zelle, better known as Mata Hari, conquered the world, hearts and wallets.
After a small surge, questionnaires were forgotten in America and Europe, briefly resurfaced during the hippie era in the 70s, but triumphantly returned in the wake of the 90s of the last century. They were popularized by many fashion houses, and sex symbols of that time (Naomi Campbell, Sydney Crawford and others like them) willingly decorated their slender legs with them.
Now profiles are back on the fashion Olympus and, it seems, have no intention of leaving it in the coming decades.
Kinds
Despite the differences in materials, rigid anklets usually come in one of the following varieties:
- Glider - products on hinges, sometimes with a spring connection.
- Springy - the body can stretch between the links, the decoration looks like a horseshoe.
- Hinged - products are most similar to an all-metal structure. But this decoration consists of two halves connected by a hinge.
- Chain bracelets are small-link bracelets, essentially an ordinary chain of any width and weave.
- Wicker - products made from several woven wires.
Jewelry made from soft materials is made using a variety of weaving techniques.
Who is the anklet suitable for?
It just so happens that the anklet is more popular among young beauties, as they react more quickly to new fashion trends. In addition, this jewelry is designed to emphasize the sexuality of a woman, so it is not suitable for mature ladies.
But can an ankle bracelet really only be worn by girls in their early twenties? It's actually not all that sad. Young beauties are indeed more free in their choice of clothes and jewelry - they can wear anything and however they want.
If a woman is already over thirty, she may well allow herself to wear an elegant chain on her leg. You just need to pay special attention to the model’s design and workmanship. No need to buy cheap trinkets and tasteless crafts. For the older category of fashionistas, status jewelry made of precious metals, preferably from well-known brands, is more suitable.
Electronic bracelets instead of bunks
The Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) has begun mass use of electronic bracelets. At the beginning of January, there were 1,400 convicts in Russia equipped with tracking devices. To date, this figure has almost tripled. “KP” found out how this system works and how the owners of such electronic “decorations” live.
SIX RINGED
Deputy Head of the Department of Execution of Punishments for the Central Administrative District of the capital, Yulia Shulga, opens a map of Moscow on her computer. On it, dots and lines appear and disappear, drawing bizarre patterns. You hover the cursor and a window pops up with the coordinates, last name and time when the owner of the last name appeared in these coordinates. It’s like in a spy action movie, when super agents manage to put a bug on the traitor’s car.
Yulia Shulga can monitor her charges in real time...
“This straight line means that the person disappeared and then appeared,” explains Yulia. “Actually, we should immediately contact the object and find out why it fell out of sight.” But it’s already clear that he was on the subway. We know where he lives, where he works. And if at 8.30 he disappears at one station and appears at another, it is clear that he is not violating anything.
Julia is the “big sister.” In the sense that she is watching you. If, of course, the latest miracle of technology is attached to your body - an irremovable bracelet, which is given to those sentenced to restriction of freedom. This type of punishment appeared in Russia in 2010. The technical equipment is lagging behind - the tracking system in Moscow, for example, appeared only last fall. Since then, Yulia Shulga has been obliged to ensure that her charges do not leave the territory allocated to them. As a rule, judges determine it within the boundaries of the municipality. But there are also exotic verdicts. For example, staying at home at night. Or stay away from entertainment venues, schools and kindergartens. The bracelet cannot be fooled; the map shows where and how much time the “object” spent, and restricted areas are indicated in red. “Big Brothers” don’t even need to sit at a computer for days on end. I came in the morning, looked through the history of movements... If something is wrong, the convict is given a warning. A couple of warnings, and that's it - in the zone.
...every step of the convicted person is displayed on the computer screen.
There are only six tracking objects in the Central District of the capital so far. These are the “pioneers”, they received bracelets at the end of last year. For some, this became a personal tragedy.
“Everyone agrees that wearing a bracelet is better than being in prison,” says Yulia, “but they still worry.” The first was a young guy, just a boy. Stupidly caught for drugs. So he almost cried. It turned out that his girlfriend didn’t even know that he was convicted. But with a bracelet there is no way to hide it. So they parted. Even we were worried about this whole “Santa Barbara” thing.
BETTER TO BE BAD AT HOME THAN GOOD IN THE ZONE
You can get a free bracelet for a minor crime. Petty theft, hooliganism and fighting without consequences. Everything for which the Criminal Code provides for no more than two years of imprisonment. There is another way - when restriction of freedom replaces part of the real sentence. This was the case with Denis (name changed), a cheerful man of about fifty. We thought for a long time where to meet. He didn’t want to go home - why worry his family. The cafe is also not very good - imagine the picture when, right at the table, a person lifts his trouser leg and shows off the “wealth” he received in the Federal Penitentiary Service. As a result, we met in the editorial office.
“Being ringed, of course, is not the most pleasant state,” says Denis, “but it’s better to be bad at home than good in the zone.” I experienced this on my own skin.
Thin-framed glasses, an expensive suit and watch. Denis is constantly confused about the details of his case, even though we agreed not to go into it. In 2004, he, a successful businessman, owner of an oil company and several commercial properties, was imprisoned for 8 years for fraud. Allegedly he sold shares for a huge amount, took the money, but did not give the shares back. You can’t figure out what really happened, but then Denis lost everything, including his freedom. Now for him the words “shkonka” and “hut” are as close as debit and credit.
Denis spent three years in a pre-trial detention center and prison zone. After this, we managed to move to a colony-settlement. This is called “re-regime” - that is, making the regime easier for good behavior and other merits. In the new place, Denis arranged several lucrative contracts for the colony and eventually achieved that he was allowed to rent a hut outside the camp. “Everything is according to the law, there is also a form of correction,” he repeats more than once, as if afraid of something.
“When this restriction of freedom with bracelets appeared in the law, we in the zone didn’t believe it,” recalls Denis, “what kind of bracelets are you?” Will our state ever go to such expense for us! And then suddenly they over-schedule me. This was in March last year. I thought they would transfer me to correctional labor. And the judge herself says: “Well, where can we find you a general director position? No, let’s restrict freedom and look for a job for yourself.” (By law, a person sentenced to correctional labor must be given a place in accordance with his qualifications. - “KP”.) So in April I was already at home. Now I work in a construction company.
How do those sentenced to house arrest live under constant supervision?
Photo: TASS
WHEN THE DEVICE DISCHARGES, YOU CAN ESCAPE
Denis lifts his trouser leg on his left leg. On the shin above the toe is a black plastic device that resembles a cheap Chinese watch. They just don’t show the time: what appears to be a dial is a system unit with sensors and a radio station.
“It seems to me that the bracelet is something like an RFID tag, the kind that is attached to clothes in stores,” explains the ringed one. — If you try to take out your clothes, the system starts beeping at the exit. That's how it is here. In general, it does not interfere with life. You can wash in it calmly, even sit in the sauna. But it won’t work in a large steam room. Because you can’t bring a second device there, which should always be next to the bracelet.
Denis takes out from his briefcase a small black box that looks like a mobile phone from the end of the last century. It even has a Nokia charger. This “mobile control device” acts as a frame in the store. It is prohibited to move more than 15 meters away from it.
- If you move further, will your leg be torn off? — I joked unsuccessfully.
“No, of course,” Denis answered unexpectedly seriously. — The device simply transmits an alarm signal, then you’ll be tortured to unsubscribe. There was a case on New Year's when mobile communications collapsed and we all disappeared from their radar screens. And even then they called us and forced us to write explanations. So for me, forgetting this thing somewhere is a nightmare. Or defuse it. This is an escape, a provocation! Charging, by the way, only lasts for 8 hours. Inconvenient. It happens that you get tired, and then you look - the battery is at zero. You immediately drop everything and run to the nearest outlet. And if I lose this thing, it won’t seem like much. Almost 100 thousand rubles will be fined.
70 PERCENT - WHIP AND KICK OUT
The bracelet has a built-in circuit board with microcircuits and a battery that lasts for 3 years. True, if you often go out into the cold, it can discharge faster. The system should warn you of low battery 72 hours in advance. But not a single battery has died in Russia yet.
The mobile control device is also a rather complex unit.
“Each “device-bracelet” pair has individual characteristics and reacts only to each other,” says Elena Zarembinskaya, head of the Department for organizing the execution of punishments not related to the isolation of convicts from society at the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. — They have unique equipment and software firmware. The bracelet and this, as you say, box constantly exchange information. In the event of any emergency situation, a signal is immediately sent to the remote control. So the cost of the devices is comparable to foreign analogues. And in case of damage, the convicted person will only pay for the damage caused. The bracelet itself, for example, costs no more than 10 thousand rubles.
According to the head of the department of execution of punishments in the Central Administrative District of the capital, Elena Volkorezova, so far only bracelets that are attached to the leg are in effect.
“We haven’t had any women sentenced to restriction of freedom yet,” says Elena, “but if they do, they’ll have to say goodbye to skirts for a while.” You won’t explain to everyone what is on your leg.
There have not yet been any cases where someone was released from a bracelet in the corrections department of the Central Administrative District. It’s just that no one has yet delivered it “before the bell.” According to Elena Volkorezova, the entire department will probably gather for the first release. No celebration is planned, but still. I suggested to Elena that those released should at least play “Farewell of a Slav”. She promised to think about it.
Denis will have to wear the bracelet for another 10 months. When his term ends, he will finally be able to go to the country. Or at sea. Otherwise, by that time he will have time to fully integrate into the system of free life.
“Now the majority of those in the zone are those who don’t belong there,” he is sure. - Of course, there are murderers, thieves, robbers who cannot be released. Everyone knows them: both the godfather (operational worker of the colony - “KP”) and the owner (head of the colony - “KP”). And the rest...Have you ever heard of anyone being sentenced for a bag of potatoes? This is already perceived as a joke. But in fact, this happened in our detachment. A man stole such a bag and was caught. But the investigator needs a tick for a serious crime. So he designs the bag not as potatoes, but as 20 kilograms of seed. And this is another article and another deadline. The man got five years. And there are many such examples. So 70 percent - flog and kick out.
The bracelet attached to the leg is not visible to others...
I looked at Denis and thought that this was exactly the person for whom the liberalization of punishments for economic crimes was planned. I don't know if he stole the money or if his conviction was a mistake. But after everything was taken from him, he definitely shouldn’t have been sent to the zone. If he spent the last seven years wearing a bracelet, that would be punishment enough for him. And the society from which he was isolated would not have noticed this. After all, Denis is used to hiding his bracelet under his sock.
...it consists of a system unit (1), which contains rupture and tampering sensors, as well as a transceiver that constantly exchanges information with the control device. The strap (2) has a conductive core. Once united, he must remain
BY THE WAY
4,000 Russians received “Electronics” instead of a zone
Abroad, bracelets have been used to monitor convicts for a long time. The pioneers were Great Britain and the USA. For example, in the TV series House, it was worn by the main character, who was convicted of drug use. So Russian bracelets are a means of bringing the Russian penal system to global standards.
According to the Federal Penitentiary Service, electronic bracelets are already used in 60 regions of the country. Since January 10, 2010, when this type of punishment appeared in the Criminal Code, more than 20 thousand people have been sentenced to it. As of January 1, 2012, there were 13.7 thousand people sentenced to restriction of freedom on the registers of criminal executive inspections. Almost 4 thousand convicts received electronic bracelets.
“The use of bracelets is part of a large program to humanize the punishment system,” says Elena Zarembinskaya, head of the Department for organizing the execution of punishments not related to the isolation of convicts from society at the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. — This program was launched at the State Council in 2009. The main goal is to ensure that people who can be reformed in freedom do not go to jail. There are a lot of advantages to this. People work and have the opportunity to support their families. In addition, it is impossible to calculate how many crimes will remain uncommitted only because a person did not end up in a criminal environment and did not absorb its subculture. Of course, this is also cheaper for the state than keeping people behind bars.
What do you think about such a humane punishment? Let's discuss!
Where to wear it
A women's ankle bracelet cannot always be worn everywhere. Most understand this intuitively, at the level of instincts, and will never wear anything like this to the office, combined with a strict dress code.
And although fashion designers hint to ladies that such a catchy accessory can enliven a boring business image, women resist. Probably true: a sexy ankle bracelet doesn't go well with the image of a competent woman at work.
It is better to wear jewelry on the leg in an informal setting. It's ideal to wear them on the beach, while walking on the promenade, or on a romantic date. But you should not wear the anklet to work or a public/formal event.
Features of tattoos
Tattoos around the ankle come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be plain, colored, in the form of light lace, flowers, or hieroglyphs. It all depends on the girl’s desire to emphasize her individuality and put a certain meaning into the drawing.
A tattoo on the leg is easy to hide from prying eyes. Therefore, if the boss in the office does not welcome such jewelry, it is easy to hide it under a trouser suit or tight tights.
Advice
If you want to radically change yourself, do not forget that a tattoo is difficult to remove from the skin, and the design will remain with you for life. Think carefully about your sketch. Find out what the ornament you like, hieroglyph, rune or other magical sign means.
Be sure to contact a good master. Collect reviews about him and study the work performed by the specialist. After all, only a high-quality, beautiful image will not disappoint and will bring joy.
What to wear with
The ankle bracelet should be worn on a bare, tanned ankle. Some models are made so that you can swim and lead an active lifestyle with them. However, you need to understand what and how to wear them.
As you already understand, they are not suitable for casual and office wear. The anklet will fit perfectly into an ethnic or gypsy style look, and will also be an attractive and eye-catching accessory for a beach look.
Flowy capes, sundresses, shorts, long skirts, bright swimsuits, pareos, hats, massive jewelry on the hands and ears - all this goes well with anklets, skillfully selected to match the overall style and color scheme.
Electronic tracking systems: legal framework
Electronic tracking systems appeared in the domestic list of penalties thanks to changes made in 2010 by Federal Law No. 377-FZ of December 27, 2009 “On amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation in connection with the entry into force of the provisions of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Criminal Executive Code of the Russian Federation on punishment in the form of restriction of freedom.”
After amendments were made to the Criminal Code, along with deprivation of liberty, a type of punishment appeared, such as its limitation (Article 53). It provides for 3 main measures that apply to a convicted citizen throughout the entire period of punishment:
- Restriction of movement (establishing territorial and time limits).
- Limitation of communication (refusal to attend public events, as well as events of a different nature).
- Limiting the choice of place of residence and work (study).
The electronic bracelet is designed to limit a person’s freedom, but not completely deprive it, giving the citizen the opportunity to improve and lead an ordinary life without complete isolation from society. Therefore, punishment only in the form of restriction of freedom, by its specificity, is not applicable to citizens who have committed serious crimes.
Stylish and unusual destinations
In order for the image to be attractive and fashionable, and not ridiculous, the chain or ring on the leg must be chosen carefully, so that all the details are harmoniously combined with each other. But sometimes fashion follows a less obvious path, and unusual combinations appear, stylish and relevant:
- Silver bracelets are fashionable to wear over heavy black boots. And complement the look with an airy skirt to make it less rough.
- Strong and simple - a strip of lace at the ankle with one elegant pendant.
- Nude shoes and sparkling rhinestone bracelets are glamorous, but in a good sense of the word.
- White metal with fabric inserts is an unusual, but relevant decoration today. Almost bohemian chic.
- Cropped skinny jeans go perfectly with a thin silver bracelet that wraps around the ankle in several turns.
- Bracelets made of mixed metals, such as gold and silver, are more popular than ever.
How to choose a profile?
When choosing an anklet, fashionistas should focus on the following criteria: cost of the product, general clothing style, body shape, personal taste preferences. Please note the following points:
- Bright massive profiles are suitable for young girls who prefer an informal or folk style.
Chunky anklets
- Representatives of the fair sex who are fond of sportswear are better off choosing a more laconic, modest decoration.
Modest Anklet
- For girls who prefer a romantic look , we offer elegant, sophisticated models of bracelets in the form of a chain with a pendant.
Silver bracelet, SL (price on the link)
But it is important to take into account the characteristics of your figure. For example, thin accessories with stones and additional details will highlight slender, beautiful ankles. If there is a need for visually slender legs, it is better to choose bracelets decorated with several chains hanging down.
Basic mistakes
Everyone knows that you shouldn’t wear a chain or ring on your leg at work. But there are a couple more points that can spoil the impression. The bracelet should only be worn on the bare leg; there should be no tights, even thin flesh-colored ones. And although fashion designers advise wearing jewelry over thick stockings with a pattern, this style of clothing is suitable for a very limited circle of fashionistas.
The second important point is the well-groomed feet. The bracelet will attract the eye to them, so the skin should be smooth, the nails even and clean (no need to paint them), and the heel without defects. There are few things that go as poorly together as gold jewelry and calluses covered with a Band-Aid!
