Waist beads can be visible as a symbol of femininity, celebration, or aristocracy, or hidden as a way of self-care or confidence or intimate appeal. There are many reasons why waist beads were, and still are, an intricate aspect of African (and now American) culture. 1. A Symbol of Femininity and Sensuality.

Waist beads can be visible as a symbol of femininity, celebration, or aristocracy, or hidden as a way of self-care or confidence or intimate appeal. There are many reasons why waist beads were, and still are, an intricate aspect of African (and now American) culture. 

1. A Symbol of Femininity and 

Sensuality

Some like to call them “colorful strands of femininity.” They’re handmade strands, usually made by women for women of any and all body types and sizes. Traditional Ghanaian culture wears waist beads to specifically signify femininity (as well as wealth and practical usage such as an anchor for a menstrual cloth). For some women, they would wear their beads under their clothes – which only allowed their love to see them as a meaning of sanctity and purity between the two. For some, the beads are a means of seduction to provoke desire. Sometimes, wives would use the rattling of the beads to communicate their fertility.

2. Rites of Passage & Symbols of
          Growth

Waist beads were a rite of passage for some cultures. Mothers would ornament their daughters with beads during their first menstruation as a ceremonial rite of passage into womanhood.

Each time new waist beads were inherited, it symbolized a healthy life, growth, and maturity.

3. Measurements and Body Shaping

Both traditionally and in modern times, women will wear waist beads to get/keep their bodies intact. It is said that the beads shape your body and keep the waist small and hips accentuated. It was (and still is) used as a measurement tool. The beads do not stretch, so if/when the waist beads start to feel a little tight, it’s a sign that there were some weight gain and vice versa.

4. The Formation of The Beads

In a traditional sense, the person making your waist beads is usually a highly spiritual person. The beads, shells, stones, and other things that may go on your waist are picked and placed with the intention of something or something very specific. The beads a woman wears for her husband will be vastly different from the ones a young girl wears into her transition into womanhood. The trend of waist beads has become very modernized and ornamental, but traditionally, the potency and power of a woman’s beads as it relates to spirituality and development were very specific and intentional.

5. Colors and Meaning

Speaking of intention, the colors of the beads also have very specific significations. These meanings may vary from tribe to tribe, culture to culture, and they’re open to interpretation, Color is considered powerful and the main factor while choosing beads for most beaded jewelry. Besides the beaded jewelry design and types of beads, the dominant aspect and overall focal point remain to be the color of the beads. Bead’s color is a magical element that symbolizes emotion and connection to events and feelings. For example, when representing new life by the virtue of being pregnant or when trying to conceive, shades of green will signify your desire and the deep connection with new life.
Below are some bead color meanings:

• Black – Power, and protection
• Blue – Loyalty and truth
• Brown – Earth and stability
• Gold – Good health, power, and wealth
• Green – Abundance, fertility, nature, and prosperity
• Orange – Courage, self-confidence, and vitality
• Pink – Care, beauty, love, and kindness
• Purple – Royalty, spirituality, and wisdom
• Red – Confidence, and vitality
• Turquoise – Communication and self-awareness
• White – Light, truth, and purity
• Yellow – Energy, joy, and happiness