SECRET WHY WOMEN WEAR WAIST BEADS

By Oluronke Kuku

Waist beads are handmade traditional Africa fashion ornament made from small beads on a string and have usually been used by females around their waist from the olden days to feel more feminine.

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The history of waist beads is believed to have been in existence since the 15th century and traced back to ancient Egypt. Waist beads are popular across Africa. 

According to Arts and Culture, “Beads were first made in Africa from Organic materials- like bones, shells and seeds- many thousands years ago”. It is one of the best selling accessories in Africa especially in the West Africa.

Customary, waist beads is a body Ornament worn by women around their waist for promoting fertility, womanhood, power and also for potential male suites. Traditionally, unmarried women of the Yoruba tribe wear an “ileke” also known as waist beads and they come in various shapes, sizes and suits for all body types.

Contemporarily, waist beads have increasingly grow to become a fashion trend among Nigeria and Africa women, even though some people still believe waist beads to be charms and a fetish tool to enslave men and to enjoy their money, also believes that women on waist beads are promiscuous. 

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Women use it to adorn their waist line making their hips appear bigger and flexible, also to give them awareness of how much weight they have lost or gain. Waist bead is a form of individual expression and interpretation also as a form of stylistic expression as one can choose what colours to wear, how many waist beads you want to use. 

The waist beads have different colors which signifies different meanings, For instance are below:

Black waist beads signifies Power and protection.

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White waist beads signifies Light, Purity and truth.

Green waist beads signifies Abundance, fertility and prosperity.

Red waist beads signifies Confidence and Vitality

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Pink waist beads signifies Beauty, Love, and care.

Blue waist beads signifies Loyalty and truth.

Brown waist beads signifies Earth and Stability.

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Gold waist beads signifies Good health and Power.

Purple waist beads signifies Royalty, Wisdom and Spirituality.

Yellow waist beads signifies Energy, Joy and Happiness.

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Orange waist beads signifies Self confidence, Courage and Vitality.

Waist beads have come to stay, while some people wear waist beads for protection against evil energy most especially those beads that contain Chakras and Crystals, others wear it as a fashion accessory. 

Waist beads are not only for Africa women, THEY ARE FOR EVERY WOMAN!

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