If you’re wondering what that popular red thread you see on celebrities is, you’re in the right place. You may have also heard of the bracelet since Madonna was first seen wearing one and more celebrities have followed it since then.
It is said to have many benefits, such as bringing good luck and protection.
We will talk about this red thread bracelet at greater length from its history onwards.
What is the story behind the red string bracelet?
What was the basis behind the now famous bracelet? There are religious and biblical mentions of the red thread bracelet. Here are some examples where the bracelet was mentioned.
Rachel, the mother of Joseph the Dreamer
Rachel is one of Jacob’s two wives, the other being his older sister Leah. After 14 years of infertility, she was finally blessed with two sons: Joseph the Dreamer and Benjamin, whom she died in giving birth to. At her grave, a red rope was tied around her seven times. That rope was then cut into pieces after removal and made into bracelets. We’ll get to why the number 7 matters in this.
Judah and Tamar
The story of Judah and Tamar is one for the books. They are in-laws, Tamar is the wife of Judah’s firstborn, Er. Er died and Judah’s second son, Onan, took Er’s place, but he too was struck down by the Lord. Since both of Tamar’s husbands had died, Judah asked her to return to her father’s house to wait for her youngest son to grow up. Since Tamar couldn’t wait to have children, she disguised herself as a woman of the night and unknowingly seduced Judah into sexual relations. Then she bore him twins, two boys named Phares and Zerah. The nurse tied both twins with a red thread on their left wrists.
A token of gratitude from Caleb and Pinchas to Rahab
Moses’ successor, Joshua, sent Caleb and Pinchas to the city of Jericho for reconnaissance purposes. The king of Jericho was on the lookout for any spy who came to rebel against the king. He heard that the two suspicious men went to the house of a well-known prostitute named Rahab. Rahab then hid both men and told the King’s soldiers to leave as soon as they arrived. After that time, both men were grateful for the gesture that would save Rahab and her family when Joshua’s army came to invade. Marker? A red thread tied on her window sill.
Where did the red thread originate?
There is no real origin set in stone for the red thread bracelet as it spans geographical locations and various religions. This will be discussed in detail later. But as said, the furthest recorded mention of the red thread is the Bible with the twins of Judah in Genesis 38:27-30.
What does the red thread mean spiritually?
Believe it or not, this red thread is not in vain. This bracelet has been and still is rooted in spirituality and protection in various religions. Since it is not an actual custom but rather a belief in protection, we will break down the details of the bracelet.
What does the color red (also known as scarlet or crimson) mean?
In Buddhist and Jewish beliefs, different colors signify attributes. The Jewish faith believes that the color red embodies gevurah, or divine rigor and judgment. The color red also serves as a negative color for the evil eye. With Buddhism, the color red is dual: it is heat or destruction. It is also a symbol of blood, life force, preservation and more.
What do the 7 knots on the red thread bracelet mean?
The number 7 is prominent, especially with Judaism. It is representative of God and everything associated with the divine. It is also seen in numerous entries in the Bible and other sacred texts. Take for example the seven years Jacob served for Laban to take Rachel as his wife. Or the seven days of Creation that gave way to the seven days of the week. The number 7 also denotes integrity and perfection.
Read also: 7 knot bracelet with red thread: How to use and spiritual powers
What are red thread bracelets for?
So far, you have glimpses of what red thread bracelets are for. But if the idea is still vague, we can help with that! These are some of the purposes of the bracelet.
Protection
As stated above, one of its uses is to protect the user from negative energy. Just like a Nazar Boncuk or a Hamsa Hand, the red thread bracelet acts in the same way. There may be a color difference, but it all leads to the same result: to keep it protected!
receive blessings
Similar to the Hamsa Hand, the red string bracelet will also bring blessings to the wearer. The reason here is that the bracelet is predominantly worn on the left wrist, which is the side of the body that receives it.
Vitality and Strength
Related to receiving blessings, the left wrist or hand contains the vein connected to the heart. The heart is the center of life. It is what pumps blood in the body.
Represent a completed vote
This is “tied” to Buddhist practices. There are certain ceremonies in which the Lama or a Buddhist leader grants someone a red thread and ties it on the wrist. This means a vow taken by Buddhist monks or a celebration of lessons learned by practitioners.
Honor the deity
Shakti, a Hindu deity, represents the color red. The same color is very important for the Hindu faith.
profess faith
As it is connected to the Kabbalistic faith, it is a symbol that shows solidarity with the belief.
Fate or Fate
There are times when single women use this as a symbol of waiting for “the one.” The belief says that when the bracelet falls off, it means that your soulmate will come into your life sooner.
Redemption and Purification
According to Rahab’s story, she chose to save the Hebrew spies believing there was something better on the horizon. And that belief of hers redeemed her from her current state to become a believer of God. By purifying it, it is similar to evil eye charms.
fashion statement
Madonna wears it. Britney uses it. It has become a fashion trend with many celebrities endorsing it.
What does the red thread bracelet protect you from?
Like the various evil eye charms, the red thread bracelet is also a good luck charm and a negative presence against evil. If you would like to read more about how evil eye amulets work, you can read our articles on the Hamsa Hand and the Nazar Boncuk here.
What does the red thread around the wrist mean?
Red cord on left wrist
The left side is the receiving side of the spiritual body. Taking into account that the red thread bracelet is to attract luck and tied to the left it amplifies the reception of good luck. That has always been the Kabbalistic belief.
Firstborn red thread
In the story of Perez and Zerah, Zerah was supposed to be the firstborn being whose hand first came out of his mother’s womb. Tying the red thread serves to identify the first-born, especially in the case of twin births. However, Zerah’s hand went back in and it was Pharez who came out completely first.
Who wears red thread?
Many people wear red string bracelets. It may be seen as a fashion statement, but some take it seriously. Let’s take a look at the importance of the bracelet in different cultures and religions.
What does the red thread mean in Judaism?
Although it is not mentioned in any of the sacred texts and is strongly discouraged by the central faith, the Kabbalistic faith approves of it. Kabbalah follows the tying of 7 knots, symbolizing the importance of the number 7. However, what Judaism agrees on is that it is a symbol of protection against evil, especially with the color red.
What does the Martí bracelet mean to the Greeks?
The Marti Bracelet is a braided bracelet with a red and white color combination. This is traditionally worn by young Greek girls to protect themselves from the spring sun, which begins in March. The meaning of the red thread part means vitality, life, health and love.
Why do Buddhists use red threads?
In Buddhist belief, the red thread bracelet represents the endless knot. The knot means unity with the Universe, including all things in perfect harmony. It also protects the user against negative energy.
What does a red thread bracelet mean in Mexico?
The red thread bracelet in Mexico acts in the same way as the Nazar Boncuk, as protection against the evil eye. It is usually called the “evil eye bracelet” or the evil eye bracelet.
Why do Chinese people wear red bracelets?
The red thread of destiny, as Chinese culture calls it, denotes the intertwining of lives. In short, it is the common thread between you and your soulmate.
What does the red thread bracelet mean in India?
In India, the bracelet is called kalava or mauli. The symbolism and belief are not only for protection, but also represent a connection and an indication of the rite of passage. Whether for love of another (romantic) or family love, the bracelet is important in Indian rituals.
What does the red thread mean in Japan?
As in China, Japan’s belief in the red thread also symbolizes the connection of two people’s destinies with each other. Japanese culture states that the invisible thread is tied from the man’s thumb to the woman’s little finger.
What does the red thread mean in Islam?
In Islam, the faith prohibits its followers from wearing anything that promises protection. The belief claims that it not only negates the effect it promises, but is also a sign of imitation of non-Muslims, which is a big no-no.
While this is the case, the color red is important in Islam. It is a symbol of life force.
What does the red string bracelet mean in Hollywood?
Madonna started it, introducing Kabbalah to the masses. Ashton Kutcher too, along with his now ex-wife Demi Moore. Other actors, actresses and celebrities use it for various reasons: good luck and protection against evil and misfortune mainly. That’s probably why Leonardo DiCaprio finally took home the Best Actor Oscar in 2016. He wears one too!
Where do you wear a red thread bracelet?
Apart from India, where men wear it on the right, following tradition, everyone else wears it on the left wrist. The left side of the body is the physical and spiritual receiving side. The left wrist also contains the vein that is close to the heart, which gives life to a human being.
It is also recommended that someone tie it for you, a close friend, family member or someone such as a Tibetan monk or person of faith. The reason is that the blessing and positivity will be conveyed to the user.
Can you take off the red string bracelet?
It is recommended that you wear your bracelet correctly, neither tight nor loose. Many people and websites regarding the website…