Martha: Bangles are often seen on the arms of Indian women. Are bangles a must for Indian women?
玛莎：经常会看到印度妇女的胳膊上戴着手镯，印度妇女必须要戴手镯吗？
Ellen: To a certain extent, although there are variations in customs of different states. Generally speaking, bangles are an indication of "the complete woman" for married women. In Bengal, for instance, it's a custom for the mother-in-law to give the new bride a bangle when she enters the new household. Bangles are thought to bring good fortune and health for the husband.
艾伦：某种程度上是的，虽然不同的邦习俗也不一样。笼统地说，对于已婚妇女手镯象征着完整的女性。比如在孟加拉，新娘初到婆家时，婆婆要送给新娘手镯。他们认为手镯会给丈夫带来好运和健康。
Martha: So bangles are a sign of matrimony then?
玛莎：那么手镯是结婚的标志了？
Ellen: Not exactly, because it is also considered very inauspicious even for girls to display their hands unadorned.
艾伦：也不完全是这样。因为对于没结婚的女孩子，不戴手镯也是很不吉利的。
Martha: What are Indian bangles usually made of?
玛莎：印度手镯通常是用什么材料做的？
Ellen: The oldest types are made of glass. Iron, shell, coral and ivory ones are also widely used. One of the often-seen ornamentation of bangles is gold-leaf decorations. While still in vogue, bangles have a much trendy look today.
艾伦：最古老的是用玻璃制成的，用铁、贝壳、珊瑚和象牙做成的手镯也很常见。手镯上多用金箔装饰。如今流行的手镯看起来更加时尚。