There is a difference between a bangle and a bracelet. While bracelets can be made of any type of material and can be flexible, bangles are normally made from hard materials that keep their shape in a perfect circle when worn. They are often studded with semi-precious and even precious stones, including pearls, gems and diamonds.

Traditionally, South Asian women in the countries of Bangledesh, Pakistan and India adorned themselves with bangle bracelets. Additionally, women who get married will wear glass bangle bracelets that, once they all have broken, signals the "end of the honeymoon". When a Punjabi woman wears a bangle bracelet, is it called a Chooda. Also, in Hinduism, it is considered to be unfavorable for a wedded woman to have bare arms.

Bangle bracelets go back far into history; many archaeological sites in India have produced relics of many different types of bangles, including agate, gold, chalcedony, bronze, sea shell and copper bangles.

So, while the Bangles back in the 80's sang "Walk Like an Egyptian", they actually should have been wearing their bangles on their arms singing something about Indian traditions to honor the symbolism of the name of their group.