The History & Meaning of Waist Beads
Waist beads are traditional African accessories that have been worn for centuries. They are usually made of small glass beads threaded on to a piece of wire and come in a variety of decorative styles and colors. These styles carry different symbolic meanings and they are usually worn around the hips or waist.
The history of waist beads can be traced back to the 15th century in West Africa, where they were often worn as a symbol of femininity, sensuality and fertility. In today's society many women and girls choose to wear waist beads for similar reasons and they have gained much popularity in the western world as an item of adornment.
In countries such as Ghana waist beads can symbolise ones economic status or class. They are also associated with womanhood, growth and maturity. In some tribes, babies are adorned with waist beads during their naming ceremonies and continue to wear them as they grow older. Outgrowing waist beads may signify a new stage in a girl/woman's life.
In numerous parts of Nigeria, waist beads were traditionally worn as a way for women to adorn themselves. The colourful and decorative nature of waist beads make them the perfect accessory to celebrate beauty, femininity and romance.
Additionally, waist beads are commonly used to gauge fluctuations in weight. As one gains weight, the waist beads sit higher up on the stomach and as you lose weight they drop down towards the hips.
In Western society, waist beads have become associated with body positivity, self love and confidence. Women of all shapes and sizes find joy in wearing these beads as a way of celebrating and adorning their bodies. Although traditionally worn underneath clothes, the aesthetic appeal of waist beads has made them an accessory that is widely embraced in contemporary fashion, with many wearing them as a way to connect to their African heritage and culture.
Do Different Colors of Waist Beads Have Different Meanings?
Yes, each color symbolises something different. This allows women to express their feelings and desires through waist beads. Below are some examples:
Red - Love, Passion and Energy
Gold - Wealth, Abundance and Manifestation.
Black - Power, Strength and Assertiveness.
Blue - Confidence, Stability and Loyalty.
Purple - Royalty, Luxury and Spirituality.
Pink - Femininity, Beauty and Romance.
Where Can You Buy Waist Beads?
Online store such as Sahara Waistbeads stock various styles and sizes of waist beads to suit your needs. Alternatively, you may prefer to check out pop up shops and in person events where there may be waist bead sellers near you.
Sources
O, O. (2023) The African waist beads - meaning, significance and uses, AnswersAfrica.com. Available at: https://answersafrica.com/the-african-waist-beads-significance-and-uses.html (Accessed: 19 October 2023).
Person (2019a) Beginner’s guide to waist beads and body awareness, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/waist-beads-modern-uses (Accessed: 19 October 2023).
Yates, J.L. (2021) Waist beads are the exquisite adornments tied to empowering women, celebrating rich culture, Good Morning America. Available at: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/waist-beads-exquisite-adornments-tied-empowering-women-celebrating-78586233 (Accessed: 19 October 2023).