Charms Are Forever

Many women of my generation and my mother's generation were given charm bracelets when they were young girls, and they are a cherished possession that stays with us through the changing times of our lives.  We can remember who gave us each trinket and talisman on the chain.

These bracelets reached their height of popularity in the mid-50's, but their history goes back much further.  From Neolithic times, there's evidence that people carried special smooth stones or pieces of wood--primitive "charms"--to ward off enemies.  Egyptian women wore wrist and neck bracelets with special charms that were meant to adorn them in the afterlife.  Knights of the Middle Ages carried charms and amulets to bring them luck in their crusading ventures.

The charm bracelet was hugely popular during the reign of Queen Victoria.  By the early twentieth century, the "charms" that had once been empowered to bring good luck had turned into a fashion statement.

On my 16th birthday, my Aunt Elsie gave me a beautiful gold bracelet with my first charm on it--a gold chalice symbolizing my confirmation that year.  Then came other charms to commemorate other important events in my life.

When Elsie passed away five years ago, my uncle gave me her gold and silver charm bracelets, with the following note: "I know that Elsie is most happy for you to have these bracelets. All of the charms are items that she treasured, and they meant a lot to her.  I know that they will be a great remembrance to you of Elsie."

Over the years, Elsie told me the stories surrounding each charm on the bracelet. They are like old friends now, holding the stories and meaning of my past, and the history of my family.