Bag charms have returned in style, joining the ranks of jorts, baggy pants and snapbacks for reclaimed Y2K fashion. This iteration of the charm trend, however, dates back earlier than just the 2000s. In fact, charms have ancient history. The ancient Egyptians used them as symbols of protection, while during the Roman Empire, they served as statements of character — because, yes, all roads do lead to Rome.
One of the oldest and most well-known charms, to this day, is the evil eye: a navy blue amulet with a light blue eye in the center. The charm originated in Mesopotamia, where it was believed that the amulet could protect a person from someone's ill-will toward them. This belief about the charm spread to other regions and has taken on a variety of forms.
Today, some wear it as a cultural reminder, while others might wear it for its intended purpose: warding off curses. Regardless, it brings comfort to the wearer and serves as a reminder to those who recognize it to keep their poor intentions at bay.
The evil eye, however, is not the only charm people hold onto. Charms can be reminders of cultural or personal significance, such as one's interests, beliefs and memories.
On Friday, East Tennessee State University student Blythe Brennerman — who was visiting UNC to see their partner, a student at the University — was sitting on the Quad with their bag charm collection in full view. Brennerman is both a long-time charm collector and admirer of UNC mascot Rameses. Combining the interests, they have charm of Rameses on their backpack.
“When I'm in East Tennessee, it still has a connection back here, and it's a conversation starter, too,” Brennerman said. "A lot of people will compliment my bag, my keychains, different stuff like that. They see UNC stuff, and I'm like, 'yeah, my boyfriend goes there,' and I get to brag about him, and other stuff like that.”
Brennerman’s backpack has a collection of charms each on there, either for a specific memory or because they simply liked it, like the dinosaur charm they have. Many of the charms were given to them by a close friend, coming in pairs so each of them has a piece of the other.
Alexander Miroshnichenko, a senior at UNC studying computer science and mathematics, said that the various charms hanging on his bag are from places he's visited with family or places of significance. He said that each time he looks at them, he’s reminded of the moments spent in those places.
"It's something small," he said. "It's something small that I can always keep on me."
