微博粉絲數，微信朋友圈里的朋友數量，這些似乎是當前衡量一個人朋友多寡的標準。而在電子設備橫行之前，年輕人手腕上的友情手鏈數目才是實打實衡量一個人朋友圈的標準。你有幾個友情手鏈？

A friendship bracelet is a bracelet given by one person to another as a symbol of friendship. Friendship bracelets are often handmade, usually of embroidery floss or thread and are a type of macrame. There are various styles and patterns, but most are based on the same simple half-hitch knot.
友情手鏈指一個人贈予另一個人、作為友情信物的手鏈。這種手鏈多為手工制作，通常由刺繡絲線類織物制成，是絲結飾物的一種。友情手鏈有很多風格和圖案，不過，大多數都是在繩頭固定結的基礎上編制的。

Friendship bracelets first became popular in the United States during the 1970s and are commonly worn by both male and female teenagers. They are now popular throughout the world and are not only popular among teenagers but among the older generation; they are popular among celebrities as well.
上世紀70年代，友情手鏈初次在美國流行開來，在青少年群體中佩戴較為普遍。如今，世界各地均有這一風潮，而且佩戴者也不限于青少年群體，在年長者和名人當中也很流行。

Friendship bracelets can have many meanings and symbolic uses, such as friendship, folk art, or social statements. Although it is generally accepted that the origins of these colorful bands lie with the Indians in Central and South America, some decorative knots can be traced back to China from 481 to 221 B.C.
友情手鏈可以有很多不同的意義和標志性用途，比如：友誼、民間藝術或者（對某些社會現象的）意見表達。雖然通常都認為這種五彩手鏈來源于中美和南美的印第安人，不過，有些裝飾性的繩結卻可以追溯到公元前481年至221年的中國。

According to tradition, one ties a bracelet onto the wrist of a friend who may wish for something at that moment. The bracelet should be worn until it is totally worn out and falls off by itself, at which moment the wish is supposed to come true.
傳統上來說，某人會將友情手鏈系到一個懷有某個心愿的朋友手腕上。這個手鏈在完全被磨損壞或者自行掉落之前是不能摘下來的，而手鏈掉落時就說明當時的那個心愿即將成真。

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen）