Friendship bracelets have a long history in our culture, as they were thought to be the crafts of American Indian tribes. However, fast forward a few centuries will take us to the 1970s, when these bracelets not only represented friendship, but became fashionable items to wear as ethnic items were considered “in fashion.” The great thing about these bracelets is that in the 21st century they are still in style and will certainly never go out of style.

The meaning behind friendship bracelets

You may have visited several dollar stores or seen ethnic-inspired jewelry and wondered what these bracelets really mean. Friendship bracelets are meant to be given to your closest friend to symbolize your long-lasting friendship. These bracelets are lightweight and are meant to be tied around your friend’s wrist. Wearing this type of bracelet shows the world that you have a deep friendship with someone and that person cares enough to give you a piece of jewelry to symbolize it.

The best bracelets you give your friends are the ones that truly represent their character traits. After all, everyone has a personality and there are some traits that you can value above all others. The next time you’re looking for the perfect color combination, consider what the following colors represent:

Pink-kind or sweet

red-honest

orange-energetic

Yellow- happy or cheerful

Green-lucky or earthy

blue-loyal

Black-strong or smart

How to get these bracelets

The great thing about friendship bracelets is that there is no right or wrong way to get them. Most stores at your local mall or online will have these types of bracelets with hundreds of colors and designs to choose from. However, you don’t always have to buy these bracelets. In fact, if you’re crafty enough, you can make your own.

The most popular method of making these bracelets is using DMC floss, which is widely available at your local craft store or anywhere cross-stitch supplies can be found. However, that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself. Beads can be added as decoration and some bracelets are made of hemp, cord, thread, linen or even silk.

why you should have them

The thing about these bracelets is that once you start giving them out, you’ll likely get a few too. Meanwhile, the bracelets themselves are fashion items, but when given to you by someone important, they hold truth and meaning. Your relationship with a friend is something to treasure, and sometimes a simple item like a bracelet is all you need to affirm yourself.

People often assume that once they break ties with a friend, it’s okay to remove the bracelet as well. In a way, that assumption is understandable, but the bracelet has a deeper meaning than that. The time you shared with your friend and the happy memories you made together are held together in the threads of that bracelet. They may not be friends forever and their friendship may not last, but that doesn’t mean their memories can’t last.