Why Waist Beads? What You Need To Know

WHAT ARE WAIST BEADS?

Waist Beads are strings with small beads worn around the waist or hips by women of all body types and sizes.

(Although the ones worn then were much bigger in size than the ones worn now).

They’re worn mainly as a symbol of femininity, self-care, confidence and intimate appeal.

As beautiful as the beads are, each colour represents something. For instance, red means vitality and so on.

Origin of Waist Beads

Some believe waist beads originated from ancient Egypt, around the 15th century, while others believe the tradition started in West Africa, by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria to be precise and then Ghana. And later on South Africa.

The wearing of waist beads people say, come with a lot of reasons and benefits. It is said that waist beads shape the female body, keeps the waist small and the hips accentuated. And this happens; many people believe, if it’s worn over a long period of time especially from childhood.

In some African cultures, including parts of Yoruba land and some parts of Ghana, waist beads are worn on babies during naming ceremonies for the same reasons adults wear them. This basically explains the curvy nature of most African women that embraced this culture while growing up.

Symbol of Femininity and sensuality: 

In Ghanaian culture, waist beads are worn to specifically symbolize femininity as well as wealth. It is also used to identify a girl that has reached puberty and maturity.

Waist Beads are also important for boosting the female confidence and helps her to embrace her body more.

Fertility and pregnancy:

Because waist beads are believed to be a turn on for men, it is thereby seen as enhancing their performance and fertility. In fact, the waist beads some married women wore in those days had bells attached to them. And the bells made sounds as their husbands were intimate with them.

The beads are seen to also have massaging effect that improves blood circulation in pregnant women.

Measurement and weight checker: 

The beads are never meant to be elastic, and since they do not stretch, tightness is a sign of weight gain and vice versa. Meaning, If the beads start rolling upwards, that’s also a result of weight gain, and if they start dropping to the hips, it’s a sign of weight loss.

A woman’s choice to wear waist beads shouldn’t be questioned. Whether she wears it to be seen only by her lover or for fashion, it’s her prerogative.

In some cultures, waist beads were part of the gifts given to a newly wedded bride before leaving for her husband’s house.

Waist beads give a woman the sexiest feeling ever. So whenever you think of waist beads, forget about the negative myths people have attached to them, just enjoy and see them as a fashion item.