Why Wear Waist Beads?

Waist beads have been worn by women in West African cultures for centuries. Waist beads are a traditional accessory in African culture. These waist beads include mini sized glass beads with wire or string worn about the waist and/or hips. Some waist beads are different colors with crystals, stones, and even charms. Waist beads can be empowering for the wearer to be more loving of one’s body.

In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being. Today, in both Africa and the United States, women use waist beads for aesthetic and practical purposes. Waist beads are commonly used to gauge changes in weight. Rather than step on a scale, people can use waist beads to stay aware of any weight gain or loss in the abdomen. In parts of the world where waist beads are a cultural tradition, the beads are often associated with womanhood, maturity, and growth. Many women around the world use waist beads in intimate settings to enhance their sensuality. While women of all races and ethnicities wear waist beads, this accessory has unmistakably African origins. Waist beads are a popular way for Black women in the diaspora to connect to their ancestors and celebrate their heritage and cultural practices. Waist beads can help a person become more aware of their stomach and posture. The beads fit quite differently depending on how one is sitting and breathing. They can serve as a reminder to sit up straight, engage your stomach muscles, relax your back, and breathe properly. The best thing about waist beads is how individual they are. You can wear as many strands of beads as you like, and you can wear them for whatever reason you want. They’re a powerful means of self-expression. There are a lot of styles, colors, and materials to choose from. Your waist beads can be rich with symbolism if you so choose. Each color and stone is associated with a specific meaning:

Color Meaninings

• Blue: healing, harmony, insight, truth

• Brown: earth, stability

• Green: prosperity, fertility, abundance, hope, healing

• Purple: spirituality, wisdom, royalty

• Red: vitality, passion, bravery, confidence

• White: light, truth, purity

• Yellow: wisdom, clarity, awareness, energy, joy (Shing, 2019).

Reference

Shing, W. K. 2019 How to wear waist beads for body awareness. How to Wear Waist Beads

for Body Awareness (healthline.com)