FACTS ABOUT WAIST BEADS YOU NEED TO KNOW (CONTENT)

Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that consist of small glass beads on a string or wire worn around the waist or hips. They come in different colors and shapes and may also include decorative stones, crystals, or charms

• As a symbol of femininity and sensuality, only the partner a woman chooses would have the honor of seeing them fully.
• As a sign that a woman had reached marriageable age and could now have suitors. Strung with bells, to show that a woman was still pure as at the time of marriage.
• Worn on babies during naming ceremonies, some say; to accentuate their waistlines and hips as they grow.
• As a weight measure; when gaining weight, the belt of the beads climb up and when you lose weight, it falls elegantly on the hips.
• Upon addition of precious stones, waist beads take on healing or rejuvenation qualities; depending on ailment or what needs to be enhanced (i.e. love, physic powers, balancing), various semi-precious stones can be included in the design of your waist beads.

COLORS AND MEANING

• Blue: healing, harmony, insight, truth
• Brown: earth, stability
• Purple: spirituality, wisdom, royalty
• Green: prosperity, fertility, abundance, hope, healing
• White: light, truth, purity
• Red: vitality, passion, bravery, confidence
• Yellow: wisdom, clarity, awareness, energy, joy
• Gold: Good health, power and wealth
• Turquoise: Communication and self-awareness
• Black: Power and protection
• Orange: Courage, self-confidence and vitality
• Pink: Care, beauty, love and kindness