three teenage boys after one of them snatched the bracelet she was wearing. The police stated that the crime was motivated by the use of sex bracelets. Different versions of the legend associate different colors with sexual acts (similar to the handkerchief code). For example, purple might be associated with kissing, red with lap dancing, and black with intercourse. Some versions say the sexual activity occurred at parties held for the purpose, making them similar to contemporary rumors of "rainbow parties", a gathering where girls wearing varying shades of lipstick supposedly take turns fellating their male counterparts, leaving an array of colors on their penises. Other tales of teenage sex parties have circulated at various times. Folklorist Barbara Mikkelson of snopes.com associates the "sex bracelet" stories with similar ones of the past. In the 1970s, pull tabs from aluminum cans and labels from beer bottles were supposedly considered "sex coupons" and obligated any girl presented with one to sleep with the bearer. By the 1990s, the rumors shifted to include an assortment of plastic items, including some worn as bracelets. According to Mikkelson, there is likely little truth behind the stories, and the vast majority of teenagers who contact her site express shock and disappointment that so many have believed them. At least one particular type of gel bracelet called the MY Single Band was specifically designed to advertise the wearer's relationship status. The response to this bracelet was largely critical, with Natasha Burton of Cosmopolitan saying she doubted men would look for such a bracelet given that she was still approached even while wearing her engagement ring. The staff of Glamour were reportedly uncomfortable with the concept, and Eliana Dockterman of Time magazine even compared it to wearing one's OkCupid profile on their T-shirt. See also Awareness ribbon – developed from 1917 through 1986 to symbolize remembrance of service members and other causes Gospel bracelet Lockets and eye miniatures – mementos of loved ones c. 1785 Lock of hair – memento dating to antiquity POW bracelet – from 1970 to 1976, engraved with name of an American serviceman captured or missing during the Vietnam War Notes References External links Guide to wristbands (CBBC Newsround) 2010s fashion Clothing controversies Bracelets Sexual urban legends 1980s fashion 1990s fads and trends 2000s fads and trends