All I Want For Christmas Is... Quiz

Answer: False

The ancient Mesopotamians were the first to do many things as they created written language, a written law code, and the wheel (among other things), but they were not the first to wear bracelets. In fact, the wearing of bracelets is believed to date back to about 40,000 years ago.

In 2008 Russian archaeologists made a discovery in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountain range in Siberia. Because it is a cave, many layers of archaeological remains have been found there; one such discovery was that of a female hominin called the Denisova hominin.

She was found with artifacts that included parts of a stone bracelet that was made with polished chlorastrolite, a greenish-blue stone! Carbon dating was used to estimate the age of the discovery to be about 40,000 years ago.

At that time groups resembling Neanderthal man would have inhabited the cave.

Answer: Scarab

If you have any doubts regarding the ability of the ancient Egyptians to craft exquisite bracelets, have a look at the 13 bracelets found on King Tut's arms after his mummy was unwrapped. Three of the bracelets were embellished with stones that were elaborately carved scarabs, or dung beetles.

The mother dung beetle lays her eggs and encloses them in a ball of dung. After that she rolls the ball of dung across the land until the tiny beetles hatch and eat their way out. The ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab was the force that moved the sun across the sky each day.

A symbol of rebirth and renewal, the scarab was used frequently in ancient Egyptian art. And, by the way, four of Tut's bracelets featured another important symbol - the Udjat Eye, or Eye of Ra, which provided great protection.

Answer: Archers

Derived from the Greek "brachile" meaning "of the arm", a bracer is usually made of leather or stone and protects an archer's arm while shooting. Getting hit on the arm with the bowstring can really hurt and cause bruising. A bracer can also be worn in order to keep clothing out of the way. This brings to mind a painted chest that was found in King Tut's tomb by Howard Carter. The decoration on the chest depicts King Tut riding in a chariot shooting birds with a bow and arrow. He is wearing bracers.

Answer: Red and White

The strings of a Martenitsa bracelet represent male (white) and female (red). Some of the bracelets also feature a red or white doll at the end. A tradition found in the Balkans, Bulgaria, and Greece, the bracelets are worn on Baba Marta Day, March 1, and continue to be worn until a stork or swallow is seen returning from migration.

It is a way they can ask Baba Marta, who is kind of like Mother Nature, to make the winter pass faster. Bracelets and similarly-made necklaces are also hung from trees during this time.

Answer: Bangle

A bangle is an inflexible bracelet. In India bangles, called suhaag, are made of glass and date back to the Indus civilization. Typically made of red, green, and gold, bangles are worn by Indian brides on both arms - traditionally they wear 21 - and can be decorated with precious stones and metals. Green represents fertility and good luck, red denotes energy and prosperity, and the gold is usually a gift from the groom's family.

The number of bracelets is symbolic of the husband's long life. Depending on regional custom, the bride will wear her bracelets at least 40 days after the marriage ceremony; during this time she is excused from heavy chores and housework.

Answer: Kara

The Sikh kara is worn at all times as a reminder that what a person does with their hands has to be in accordance with the 1699 teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. The circle symbolizes that God is eternal and never ending. It is worn on the right arm as an outward sign of dedication.

Answer: Protection from evil eye

For centuries people have believed in the power of the evil eye and have created talismans for protection. The Azabache bracelet is worn for protection from the evil eye, "Mal de ojo", which can occur when people look at something in a covetous or jealous way.

It originated in Latin American with the Spanish who brought the belief with them. Infants are traditionally given the bracelet, or sometimes a necklace, that features an amulet. Another known antidote for the evil eye is rubbing raw eggs on the body!

Answer: Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War it was popular to buy a bracelet that had the person's name, rank, and date of loss. First made in May 1970 by a group called Voices in Vital America, the cost per bracelet was between $2.50-$3.00. An estimated five million bracelets were sold from 1970-76. We should never forget.

Answer: Jade

Jade is believed to not only protect the body, but also heal it. The Chinese believe that a jade bracelet is a living thing. If, by chance, its wearer suffers an accident, the jade bracelet will take the brunt force of the fall, causing it to chip or break.

It is also believed that if the jade becomes cloudy it is a sign that its owner is sick or bad. Bright shiny jade is an indicator of good health and positive energy.

Answer: Queen Victoria

Charm bracelets have been a popular form of adornment for thousands of years, bearing charms or trinkets that are somehow important to its wearer. The use of African shell bracelets dates back to prehistoric times - as long as 75,000 years ago. In Germany archaeologists found a mammoth tusk charm bracelet that dates to about 30,000 years ago.

The wearing of charm bracelets has come in and gone out of style many times throughout written history. It it well known that Queen Victoria loved charm bracelets and gave them away as gifts.

She liked heart charms, portrait charms, and ones engraved or adorned with crosses and other royal symbols.