What are waist beads? 

Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that consist of small glass beads on a string or wire worn around the waist or hips. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being. They serve several different purposes in addition, like weight tracking or fashion. Wear them how you like, but universal energy flow they provide is worth it.

 

Why waist beads?

Waist beads are a sign of womanhood, maturity, & growth. They are also known to some as belly beads or waistline beads.  They can be a whole meaningful journey.  There are unlimited reasons for wearing these adornments. Some people wear them for protection from negative energy as some wear them as a fashion accessory.

​

Am I too fat for waist beads?

Absolutely not! Don't be fooled or discouraged by a slimmer or flatter tummy woman wearing waist beads.  Women of all shapes, sizes, waistlines, or hip circumference can be made comfortable wearing waist beads.  Wearing waist beads is a self empowering and personal appreciation for yourself.  If weight tracking is your use, the feeling you can get from them falling down your torso from weight loss is beyond a great feeling.

 

Can you wear your beads outside of your clothes?

Yes. Many women choose to wear their beads outside of clothes, under clothes, or with no clothes. I make some beautiful designs and I enjoy showing my adornments, but there is no rule, wear them how ever you feel most comfortable.

​

Is there an age too young for waist beads?

Not at all. Traditionally speaking, Ghanaian babies are adorned with waist beads during their naming ceremonies, with only the girls continuing to wear them as they grow older.  Modernly that holds the same where no age is inappropriate when it comes to waist beads. All ages, from babies to elders, no exclusions. Little girls want to feel as beautiful as they are and that's what they will serve for her. 

​

Waist beads have been made for cheerleading and gymnastics teams, track stars, swimmers and athletes of all sports. There is no color barrier or ethnicity with wearing them either as long as the knowledge is there and the reasons are your own, wear them proudly! Don't be discouraged or let anyone discourage your from your purpose. If you are wearing them for fashion, do that! If you are wearing them for purpose, do that! If they are your healing mechanism, make them that! just do YOU!

 

How many waist beads should I wear?

You can wear as few or as many waist beads as you feel comfortable.  The options are wide open, as long as you're comfortable, wear as few or as many that you want.  Waist beads are created in part to promote a positive body image and help with self as well as body confidence.  There is no right or wrong, there is a self, what you feel is best for you.  This is in hopes, if there is an issue in body perception, that you can come to terms with your body and accept it for what it is and if you're working on your body what it can be.  ​​​