A Tibetan bracelet is made in many different colors. Each color has its own meaning and emits a certain energy. For example, the color black represents willpower, elegance, and mystery. And red symbolizes love and passion but also fiery anger.
There are many different colors and variations of Tibetan bracelets. This way, you too can find your personal talisman for protection. It takes about 50 minutes to make one bracelet. This is because the knots of these bracelets are made while Tibetan Buddhists chant mantras. This gives the bracelet spiritual energy that flows into you. The right side of your body is for giving energy. Therefore, you should only wear the bracelet on the left side. The left side is for receiving positive energies into your soul.
There are many ways to receive positive energy. You can do this by receiving and/or wearing a bracelet or by practicing Yoga or a Mantra. In all cases, it is important to think about self-reflection. This can be both positive or negative. Sometimes, you need to dig deep within yourself to become a better person.
What is a Tibetan bracelet?
A Tibetan bracelet is a hand-knotted textile or rope bracelet, originally made in the Himalayan region. What sets it apart is not the material but the knot: every bracelet is tied knot by knot, and that handwork takes around fifty minutes per piece. No two are exactly alike as a result.
The bracelet is finished so it adjusts, which means one size fits almost any wrist. That is practical, but it also reflects the intent: it is made to be worn for a long stretch, not swapped per outfit.
How to wear a Tibetan bracelet
The usual guidance is to wear it on the left. In the tradition the right side of the body is the side that gives and the left side is the side that receives, so a bracelet worn as a reminder of an intention goes on the receiving side.
Beyond that there is little etiquette. It can get wet, though textile lasts longer if you take it off to swim or shower. Many wearers keep it on until it wears through on its own; in the tradition that is not a loss but a sign the intention has done its work.
The seven knots
Some Tibetan bracelets carry seven knots. Across several traditions seven stands for completeness: seven chakras, seven days, seven stages. The knots are tied while mantras are recited, so each one marks a moment of attention rather than being only a fastening.
Tibetan bracelet meaning by colour
Every colour says something different. Red stands for passion and vitality, blue for calm and trust, black for willpower. We walk through every colour in which bracelet colour matches your personality, and cover the endless knot and the Om symbol in our guide to Tibetan symbols.
Copper, knots and wearing
Prefer metal? Read about the meaning of a Tibetan copper bracelet.
- Tibetan bracelet simple black – willpower and protection.
- Tibetan bracelet simple red – love, passion and vitality.
- Tibetan bracelet gradient green/gold/brown – growth, harmony and grounding.
