Illustration by Faraz Ahmed
Illustration by Faraz Ahmed

Bracelets have been around for a long time, and come in all sorts of beautiful designs and colours. You’ve probably seen lots of girls and boys wearing bracelets that match their awesome style. They’re super popular, and many of us love wearing them too!

These cool bracelets are usually made of colourful strings, with some amazing knots and unique designs. Well, those are friendship bracelets! They are not just ordinary bracelets, though. They hold a super special meaning — they represent the incredible bond of friendship and love.

Usually, a friendship bracelet is made from yarn or thread, that friends or family members give to each other as a symbol of their amazing friendship and love. These bracelets are not just pretty, they are symbols of a bond of friendship and commitment. They come in different colours and designs, each carrying its own special meaning and message.

Did you know that friendship bracelets have been around for centuries? That’s a really long time! They are believed to have first appeared in Central America, made by an ancient civilisation called the Mayans. The Mayans used these bracelets to celebrate important events, like weddings and anniversaries, and also to support each other when times got tough. I think this is a super cool idea to show support other than through your words.

But wait, it’s not just this, other cultures also fell in love with these special bracelets. In China, they are called ‘lucky knots’ and are thought to bring good luck to those who wear them. In Egypt, friendship bracelets were a way to show how connected and important two people were to each other.

As time went on, the Spanish discovered the friendship bracelet during the 16th century and brought it with them to Europe. The bracelet quickly became a symbol of love and friendship between family members and close friends all across Europe.

With each passing day, newer and better types of friendship bracelets arrive. Bracelets come in all sorts of styles, colours and materials. The most common types are knotted and beaded bracelets. Knotted bracelets are made using yarn or thread and have intricate patterns and knots. On the other hand, beaded bracelets are made using colourful beads and they also have all kinds of amazing designs.

These friendship bracelets are not just pretty accessories, they have deep meanings too! They are symbols of loyalty, friendship and love.

When you wear a friendship bracelet, it reminds you that you have a friend who will always be there for your support. It also reminds you to treasure and appreciate the special people in your life and your relationship with them.

Friendship bracelets are still as awesome as ever, a popular fashion accessory among friends and families these days.

My dear young friends, there are many ways to give and receive friendship bracelets. The most common way is to exchange them with your friends as a sign of your awesome friendship and affection. But guess what? You can also give friendship bracelets as special gifts to celebrate birthdays, graduations and anniversaries. They are a perfect way to say, ‘You’re amazing, and I’m so glad to have you in my life!”

Here’s a fun idea! You can even make your own friendship bracelets. It’s a fantastic way to show your friends and family how much you care about them. Plus, it’s a creative activity that lets you express your love and appreciation in a unique way.

So grab some colourful strings, beads, and get crafty!

So, the next time you give or receive a friendship bracelet, remember it represents someone’s love and commitment and don’t hesitate to give one, as they are the perfect way to show how much you care about them. Isn’t that sweet?

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 29th, 2023

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