Anklets may have several meanings which sometimes go in opposite directions. The anklets is a jewelry worn around the ankle which is also called ankle bracelet, ankle string, leg chain or ankle chain worn around the ankle mostly by women.

While the anklets may generally be worn as a fashion ornament, tribes, beliefs, religions, and general misconceptions assign different meanings to this fashion sense.

In Nigeria, the Yorubas often wear anklets for spiritual protection or used in cultural rites especially for children known as Abiku (kids believed to have a connection with the spirit world) and are often crafted from brass.  Sometimes worn by chiefs while it beautifies the wearer, their meaning embodies identity and lineage.

Among the Igbos, the anklet signifies prestige, wealth, and beauty. Their anklets are made of elephant tusks, beads, and brass used in cultural dances, festivals, and other cultural events like coronations and chieftaincy titles.

The Hausas believe anklets are private adornments and can be worn by married woman but they are meant for her husband eyes and ears alone. The anklet’s jingle is considered an intimate detail meant only for the couple, symbolizing their private bond.

In other cultures, like India, anklets are gifted to a newly wed woman on her first arrival to her husband’s home. They are usually worn by married women, but it is not prohibited for unmarried girls & so they also wear it.                    

In Ancient Egypt, people who wore Anklets or leg chains are wealthy people. The jewelry made from precious materials like gold and silver, sometimes inlaid with gemstones. These valuable ornaments served as a public display of their prosperity.

Interestingly, anklets carry hidden cultural codes. In some traditions, wearing an anklet on the left ankle is seen as a symbol of protection or commitment (marriage), while on the right, it may represent individuality or availability (single).

However, religions have different perception about leg chains. In Islam, it is permissible for women to wear anklets on their legs for beautification, but they should not shake them in front of non-mahram men (someone who you are permitted to marry to attract attention to them). Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment.” [al-Nur 24:31]

But for the Christians, the Bible mentions anklets in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 3:16-21. They are described as ornaments of pride worn by women who sought attention. The passages portray anklets as part of a woman’s beauty and charm but also as a symbol of vanity.

This led to centuries of interpretation in Christian communities where anklets became associated with indecency or moral looseness. However, the scripture never explicitly condemns the accessory itself, only the attitude of pride attached to it.

While generally considered a casual, fun accessory, dainty gold or silver anklets can be worn in more formal settings. However, in professional or very formal environments, more elaborate or noisy anklets are often considered inappropriate.

Today, anklets are just fashion accessories are often worn as a fashion statement to enhance a personal style or add a decorative touch to an outfit.  

By: Idris Olayinka