Even though the Vikings lived in a rather harsh time, various jewelry played an important role in their lives. They were masters in making jewelry and were very responsible for this work. One of their most popular pieces of jewelry was Viking bracelets. The Vikings used them for a variety of rites, customs, worn as simple jewelry, or even used commercially. If you are interested in Viking bracelets information, read below.
What were Viking bracelets used for?
At the Viking Age, the bracelet could be both an ornament and an important object of society. Due to the difficult living conditions in those days, the Vikings often went swimming for many months. As a sign of his love, the Viking made a bracelet himself and gave it to his wife. Thus, the woman promised to be faithful to her husband and wait for him from the trip.
The bracelet was also a special item between the leaders and their warriors. There was a tradition that the leader must give each of his soldiers a bracelet, which served as an inseparable oath of allegiance. This bond could not be broken at any cost.
The bracelet was an integral part of the adulthood ritual. When the boy was about 12 years old, he had to undergo the rite of initiation into the army. The rite was performed by the earl. The dedication ceremony was attended by the whole community in their best clothes, and the celebrations and dances lasted all night.
During the ceremony, the earl handed the boys mens Viking bracelets in the shape of a snake with two wolf heads. Thus, the Vikings wore such bracelets as a sign of respect. Legend has it that two wolves chased the sun and moon to devour them. The Vikings feared that if they did not honor the memory of this legend, it would come true and the world would be engulfed in eternal darkness. Each of these bracelets is considered a true work of art because it was cut by hand.
In general, Viking jewelry, including bracelets, was used with great importance, the Scandinavians believed that they protect them from negative energy and help to win in any endeavor. Having studied Scandinavian culture, modern masters skillfully reproduce jewelry with intricate patterns and shapes. Today you can buy any bracelet – bronze, silver, precious metals, or Viking leather bracelets.
Bracelets with decorative purpose
In addition to bracelets that had some significance, there were bracelets with a decorative purpose. These bracelets were real works of art. Viking men wore bracelets in the form of dragons, snakes, wolves. Such jewelry was worn not only to attract the attention of others but also as mascots or symbols of a certain status in society.
Bracelets were used simply as jewelry, and the Vikings wore them daily. Every detail of the Viking bracelet has been carefully thought out. Lightweight, thoughtful design, and silver plating make this jewelry unique. It fits almost any wrist, any style of clothing, and lifestyle. Norwegian bracelets are well known around the world for their unique designs and shapes.
The design of Scandinavian bracelets should not be confused with any other. They can have inscriptions and can be supplemented with leather laces. In addition to high strength, Viking bracelets have a special filigree study of every detail. To give the product maximum wear resistance, it is covered with a special galvanic coating, silver, copper, or gold.
Gold had a very high price in the Viking Age, but at that time only rich Vikings could afford it. The ring bracelet was very popular. They looked like the ring was worn only on the wrist. These Viking wire bracelets were very easy to use as they could be adapted to any hand. Unique jewelry worn by women and men in those distant times can be seen in many museums around the world. It was a symbolic and extremely beautiful decoration of the Viking image.
Bracelets with commercial purpose
Commercial bracelets from the Viking era were not as beautiful as decorative because their purpose was completely different. Their purpose was to use it as currency. That is, the Vikings could go shopping with them. The Viking could separate a piece of a bracelet and thus pay for the goods. It was usually a men’s bracelet of fairly large size.
The commercial bracelet occupied almost the entire male hand. Such bracelets were usually made of silver. The bracelets had silver ribbons that were easy to tear off and buy something. They were an integral part of life in the Viking Age.