Charm Music
Charm Music
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 50x Alloy Charms Musical Note Beads Fit Bracelets P1621  US $5.48
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The Concept of Charms and Charm Bracelets
A charmer in English History was a healer, someone who used his powers to cure ailments, either by using simple touch to soothe the problem or by using an item in his possession in the process, hence the concept of charms.
A logical progression from that was the wearing of charm bracelets which could be perceived to have the same powers of healing and protection from illness that the charmer possessed.
The tradition of wearing such jewellery is a long one, and often involves the collection of different items to attach to the bracelets, items with either emotional or memorable significance.
The Church frowned on such charmers thinking them to be mixed up in sorcery though the commoners did not agree with that view, fortunate it was because people accused of witchcraft often came to a violent end.
In other parts of the World there were and remain snake charmers who seem to defy danger in their proximity to dangerous venomous snakes. Their technique generally involves their playing a musical instrument while sitting in front of the snake, close enough for it to strike and kill. The music and the movement of the instrument, something similar to a flute, seem to hypnotise the snake thereby protecting the charmer.
The snake was so dangerous that the ability to control it gave the charmer a religious status in the eyes of the people who thought they must have some contact with god in order not to be injured.
Asia and North Africa are the areas where snake charming is most common though it is an activity that is generally diminishing for varying reasons not least being the outlawing of it in the environment where we are more sympathetic to the preservation and protection of wildlife. As the habitat for the snakes has dwindled they have become scarcer and their contact with humans equally reduces as a consequence.
While rural life still covers vast areas of Asia, it is a practice that will not die out entirely. Living the life of an itinerant nomad, the man and his snake travel from village to village and from fair to fair, keeping their snake in a basket as they travel and setting the basket on the floor and removing the lid when about to perform. It seems they are not totally confident in their skills and often the fangs of typically a venomous cobra are removed for further safety.
In North Africa, it is more usual to stitch up the mouth leaving just the tongue just enough space to be seen flicking in and out, but not giving the snake any chance to deliver venom to kill or injure its master.
The concept of charms and using charm in the English language is translated into positive and good action. The wearing of charm bracelets is equally seen as good, as well as fashionable with every item of attire making up the appearance being important.
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