In ancient civilizations, it was common for gold and silver ornate jewelry to adorn many a wrist. These days, its rubber bracelets that are all the rage. While these wristbands may not cost a pretty penny- or other barterable equivalent, their value in terms of expressiveness is quite extensive. These colorful rubber rings are worn all over the world to symbolize an individuals solidarity with others in their efforts to fight a variety of social problems and diseases; cancer, violence against women and children, diabetes, hunger, poverty, and war are a few.

While in ancient times, wrist adornment was a matter of social standing, in the modern world rubber wristbands are worn by politicians, actors, military personnel, and athletes alike, regardless of race, nationality or creed. In Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign, he donned a black (metal) wristband given to him by the mother of a young man who was killed in the Iraq War as a sign of remembrance.

In the early 2000s, a wristband wearers cause was distinguishable by the color of the band:

A purple wrist band: signified the fight against domestic violence

A pink rubber bracelets: signified the desire to wipe out breast cancer.

A bright yellow band: In 2004, world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong began his „Livestrong“ campaign against cancer by a wearing a bright yellow band.

Wristbands usually cost no more than $1 and as more and more charitable organizations join the wristband bandwagon, it is easy to find a rubber bracelet that will help you express your support of any cause.

Students at Bellflower High School, in Bellflower, California recently raised over $100 in just one afternoon selling beaded bracelets for charity for one dollar a piece. They plan to donate the money raised in selling these homemade bracelets to efforts in modern India to offer disadvantaged children needed cleft palate surgery though the organization Smile Train.

Though todays wristbands are a means to deal with some very serious causes, they are usually worn quite casually. This was not the case in ancient Rome, China, and India where these bracelets were taken more seriously.

In Greek culture, women would adorn their arms above and below the elbow with wrappings of gold or silver, perfect accents to their flowing gowns and elaborate hairstyles. Often these bracelets would be detailed with animals such as lions or snakes to ward off evil spirits. Conversely, Greek men wore metal or thick leather cuffs along the forearms to protect their arms during deadly fights on the battlefields.

In China, wrist adornment was as much a part of a kings wardrobe as his silk robes or head coverings might be. Kings, and other members of the aristocracy, wore bracelets decorated with precious stones, dragons, and phoenixes as signifiers of affluence.

Indian women in bygone eras, just as today, wore gold bangles to show that they are married. Many would wear multiple bangles of many materials, styles and colors for adornment and to symbolize their husbands affluence.

It is obvious that todays world is different from what it once used to be. Rushing through the day has become a way of life and losing track of the small stuff has become part of that existence. The reality is, that without help, we will continue to lose and forget these minor, yet ever so important things. Fortunately for us, a number of clever inventors have come up with the perfect solution, which entails the use of a piece of string or fabric.

Made from quality materials like neoprene, rubber, vinyl, polyester, cotton or durable nylon, lanyards are cords worn around the neck for carrying something important or valuable. This can be a small object or a card holder. Beads, as well as plastic and ball chain, can also be used in the production of fashionable, yet less expensive lanyards.

Many people today wear lanyards. It is the easiest way to keep an important item handy. A lot of employees have to carry an identification card, children need a place to keep their house key, and a basketball referee needs his whistle handy. These are only a few examples of how handy this simple, yet effective, invention really can be.

People using lanyards will agree that they have many advantages. They are considered to be:

Light

Easy to put on and take off

Risk-free and will not damage clothes

Reasonably priced

Produced in a wide variety of colors and styles

Strong

Fashion plays an important part in every-day life. Lanyard manufactures realize that it is important to keep up with these trends and therefore, they will try to deliver products in various colors, lengths and thickness. Because of this goal, you will find lanyards for every occasion. Some are even retractable, making them ideal for ID card swiping, while others are as thin as a shoe lace. Unfortunately, if there is little material to work with, imprinting may become problematic for those clients who prefer their company name showing on the fabric. They may need to opt for a wider cotton model, or use color as an identifier.

Personalizing lanyards have become the latest craze in the business and sports world. They also come highly recommended by many other individuals, who use them for themselves, or their pet dog. Lanyards can also be spiced up by an array of funky accessories. Round or diamond-shaped sliders can adjust the length of your strap, and plastic holders will safely keep your ID badge, cell phone, or small object in place. They are the perfect extension of a gadget that will help the world to keep remembering…