Friendship bracelets first became popular among Americans, teenagers in particular, during the decade of the 1970s. Unlike, the pet rocks, disco music and countless other fads that came and went during that era, these symbols of lasting and devoted friendship have proved to be an enduring young fashion accessory. As the name indicates, friendship bracelets are typically exchanged by junior high school and high school age boys and (especially) girls as a symbol of friendship, usually with someone of the same gender.

In the modern tradition, the bracelet is hand woven out of embroidery floss or other sturdy thread and woven with a technique similar to that used in making macramé accessories. The finished bracelets is usually then tied around the “BFF” (best friend forever) recipient’s wrist. This permanent manner of attachment – in place of a clasp or hook – lasts as long as the fiber in the bracelet itself and symbolizes the enduring nature of the friendship.

As with so many customs, the origins of the friendship bracelet are not known with certainty. However, some scholars have suggested that they originated with indigenous tribes in Central and South America. at the time it was being tied, the recipient of the bracelet was expected to make a wish for some desired event, not unlike the American tradition of breaking the Thanksgiving turkey’s wishbone. When the bracelet finally wore out and fell off, the expectation was that the wearer’s wish would be granted.

The practice of making and giving friendship bracelets may also be a secular descendant of traditions in various religions throughout history. For example, in recent times bracelets made of red wool thread or string have been spotted on various celebrity practitioners of Kabbalah, who believe wearing the bracelet can ward off negative energy. In the Hindu faith, giving another person a red string bracelet is considered a sign of good will, and among Tibetan Buddhists, strings of different symbolic colors (red for bravery, white for friendship) are tied by a monk around a worshiper’s wrist in a ceremony intended to restore balance and order and to bring people closer together. Whatever its roots, the tradition endures to this day.

For those with some craft skills who are interested in making their own friendship bracelets, there are many patterns and instructions available at craft and book stores as well as for free on Internet sites such as eHow.com.

But what if you think you lack the skill or dexterity to work with knotted thread? There are many kits available, each with all the supplies you need and step-by-step illustrated instructions. The kit from Alex Toys has enough thread in over twenty colors to make more than twenty bracelets. It also includes four looms, so that a young crafter can enjoy a bracelet-making party with up to there friends. The Cra Z Art kit comes with floss in an array of bright metallic and two-tone color schemes, along with an assortment of sparkling beads and charms. It is recommended for children age six and older, and is available for less than $15 at your craft store as well as through many online retailers. A variation on the traditional thread or floss materials for friendship bracelets is colorful folded paper, created using techniques similar to those in the Japanese art of Origami. A kit available online at shindigz.com includes enough materials to make up to ten colorful bracelets, and is priced at under ten dollars. These would make a unique and memorable favor for the young guests at your daughter’s next birthday party.

But what if you’re all thumbs when it comes to crafts, or you just don’t have the time to make your own? Take heart. Ready-made friendship bracelets in a dizzying array of styles, colors and materials are available. For $6 , “Friendly Bracelets” (en.friendlybracelets.com) will make you or your child a bracelet in any one of eighteen colors. What’s more, their bracelets include at no extra cost a woven in your and your friend’s names or another personal message or statement to the world in contrasting color thread.

Are you a grown up woman with a “BFF”? As an alternative to the traditional string or floss friendship bracelet, consider a sterling silver one instead. These sleek and elegant accessories, engraved with messages such as “hope” and “friendship” are available at prices staring under $50 from many online jewelry merchants, including Emitations (emitations.com) and Eve’s Addiction (evesaddiction.com).