Charm bracelets have a long history of superstitions. >From Ancient Egypt to Victorian England, modern paganism still lives with ancient good luck charms and amulets.In the sixties and seventies, the charm bracelet became popular, but charm bracelets had actually been around for thousands of years before the popularity boom. Amulets were hung from bracelets, a sort of superstitious collection of usually silver animals, hearts, and other lucky symbols. To most people it was a fad, but even today there are those who believe amulets possess some form of supernatural protective power.

The word amulet is derived from "hamala," an Arabic word meaning "to carry." The hamala also refers to the necklace on which faithful Moslems hang their Korans. However, it is not just an Islamic tradition. Many other cultures have similar practices and beliefs.

The charm bracelet dates back to at least 5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians adorned their bracelets with the ankh, a life symbol, and the eye of Horus, their sun god. Like many cultures, they believed the amulets gave them some protection from evil. Even early Christians wore a copy of St. John's Gospel or a cross on a necklace, or put a copy of the Lord's Prayer in their shoes.

Christianity brought about a new era of amulets and subsequent charm bracelets. When the old Celtic religion became unpopular in the Dark Ages, the church dubbed usually innocent pagans as witches. With high illiteracy and ignorance, the average person was easily influenced by the will of their more educated Christian leaders.

Pagan rituals were linked to the powers of darkness or witchcraft. Fearful Christians became obsessed with mythical signs of evil: dangerous spirits, goblins, trolls, and imps, to mention a few. Rabbits, which habitually play in the moonlight, soon became misinterpreted as disguised witches. Witches were believed to use rabbits in their spells and potions. As a result, Christians quickly adopted the rabbit's foot as a protective talisman.

The rabbit's foot was usually carried by hand, but smaller versions were attached to the charm bracelet. Even today this macabre charm symbolizes good luck. Tiny silver rabbits are also a popular addition to the modern charm bracelet.

Early Christians adopted other pagan symbols of luck. An iron horseshoe with the opening facing heaven was readily guaranteed to ward off evil. Even teeth, usually animal in origin, were used, a practice dating back many thousands of years. Birthstones, coral, coins, rings, stones, and the well-known St. Christopher were and still are used.

Late Victorian England saw the charm bracelet's popularity increase. Even the short-lived fad of wearing a violin's D string was thought to be lucky. In Italy, the red pepper was also revered.

Hemp Charm Bracelet-Add charms or shells mini hagstones.

Cut one 30-inch piece and one 90-inch piece of hemp. Fold the hemp twine in half and place the bend of the 30-inch piece in between the bend of the 90-inch piece.
Make a knot one half inch from the bend with both pieces of twine, leaving a loop at the end. Pin the loop to your clothing -- ideally, to a pant leg -- with a large safety pin. Four strands will hang from the loop. Position one of the longer strands to the right-most side, and the other longer strand to the left-most side, leaving the shorter strands in the center.
Hold the left long strand with your left hand and pass it over the two short center strands to create a "4" shape, then pass it under the long right-most strand to make a loop with the left long strand. Hold the right long strand in your right hand beneath where the left strand was passed under it, and pass the long right-most strand under the two center strands to make a backwards "4" shape. Insert the end of the right-most strand into the loop that was created by the left-most strand when you draped it over the two center strands. Pull the left-most and right-most strand ends to tighten the knot.
Continue tying the long strands in the same pattern. Drape the left long strand over the two center strands and under the right long strand, and pass the right long strand under the two center strands, and then insert it into the loop made by the left most strand and tighten it.
Add beads at even intervals on the bracelet by inserting the two center short strands through the bead. Slide the bead up to rest beneath the last knot you made while tying the bracelet, then pass the left strand over the two center cords, and then under the right long strand. Pass the right long strand under the center strands, and then insert it into the loop made by the left most strand. Pull the right and left long strands tight. Tie knot until the bracelet is 6 inches long or until it fits around your wrist.
Hold the hemp strands together and tie them in a simple knot. Trim the ends from the knot to finish the bracelet.

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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