Junior High Bracelet

Junior High Bracelet
Originally uploaded by Momma B.

Charm Bracelets!

Where did charm bracelets originate?

It was a mark of society to give a young girl a charm bracelet before she reached age 13 (or puberty). Each special event, anniversary, birthday or holiday a new charm was given as a gift, usually by the person that gave the girl the original bracelet. The charms represented the girls hobbies, special interests, likes and dislikes. They were gold or silver, enameled in color or plain, three-dimensional or flat. The more variety one had, the more interesting the bracelet.

I was looking at my old charm bracelet the other day and I was amazed at the memories that came flashing back. My charm bracelet was a gift from my mom and my older sister and each of them added charms. So ...for the sake of my daughters who will one day drag it out of my jewlery box and wonder what in the world is the story behind that charm......here is my side of the story.

Tenor Saxaphone: I played the tenor saxs in the marching band and orchestra in Junior High. I wasn't good and didn't like it and it weighed a ton when being transported by bus to from school every day with my books. I disavowed all knowledge of it in high school and I think it was eventually sold at a yard sale.

STOP SIGN: A former boyfriend gave me this charm when I was a freshman in college. He had proposed to me as he was older and was looking for a wife and I was definitely not on the Marriage-Go-Round at the time. He did STOP loving me in about two weeks as he proposed and married another girl.

Scrappy the NTSU Eagle: My sister went to North Texas State University and this was their mascot. I got to visit her once and stay in the dorm and go to a football game. I thought I was really grow up!

North Junior High Pendant: I moved to Salina , Kansas in the 8th grade and attended North Jr. High.

Mexican Hat with Turquoise: My mom gave me this charm and I think it was for my aunt and uncle who were missionaries in Mexico with the Southern Baptist Convention for over 30 years.

BABY SHOES: My sister Bev was born when I was 14. Since there are no other kids between us this was definitely a life changing situation for me!

UBC Girl of the Year: I went to University Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas and was the girl of the year among the youth group. It came with a charm, my picture in the church newsletter and my 15 minute of Jr. High Fame.

Baton: I was a Majorette in Jr. High with the marching band. I wasn't particularly good at it but it did get me noticed!

German Chimney Sweet: My sister Barbara and my brother-in-law Joe were stationed in Germany immediately after they were married. She sent me this charm as a Christmas gift.

Home is Where the Heart is: This was the first charm I ever received. I think my mom wanted to remind me of my roots. We were a military family and moved freuently. I think she wanted me to know that there was security in my family.

Happy Birthday (birthstone) Charm: Bithday gift from my mom. I have a November birthday so it is a November birthstone. (Topaz)

Bike: No I wasn't Lance Armstrong but when you are in Jr. High the bike is your best means of transportation.

German Beer Stein: Gift from my sister while they were in Germany for two years.

Light Post: I think it was supposed to be for my " light and charming personality". I developed a keen sense of humor so made "light" of everything in high school.

"To our FAVORITE scribe:" A charm given to me by my Senior Girl Scout troop. Go, Go, Greenies!

Knock on Wood: I don't remember who gave it to me but I think it was for Luck as they figured I would need all the luck I could get as well as the "Grace of God" to get through high school.

So....my darling daughters....thus ends one "mystery of Mom".

I'm sure there will be others to follow. Happy Hunting!