Waist Beads
Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that come in different colors and shapes of small glass beads on a string worn around the waist or hips.
Why do people wear them?
-Heritage and pride
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 due to not having direct knowledge of their African lineage due to the transatlantic slave trade.
Reclaiming waist beads also means Black women can reclaim the opportunity to walk in their ancestors’ footsteps. The beads are a constant physical reminder that heritage is never as far away as you may think, and it’s up for personal interpretation.
-Weight and Body Awareness
Rather than step on a scale use waist beads to gauge changes in weight, waist beads can help with weight loss allowing you to stay aware of any weight gain or loss in the abdomen. Waist beads can help you track progress as the beads fall lower.
Waist beads don’t stretch, therefore if you were to gain weight, the beads will sit higher on the waist or feel tight. Conversely, if you were to lose weight, the beads will feel loose and fall further down to the hips.
Unlike the numbers on a scale, waist beads are more compatible with body positivity. Women of all sizes and shapes can comfortably wear waist beads to adorn their body.
There are even adjustable waist beads available if you don’t want the beads to fit differently based on your weight or changes like bloating.
-Intimacy and fertility
Waist beads can be used in intimate settings to enhance their sensuality. Waist beads can be closely associated with fertility, some wear specific beads during sex when they’re trying to conceive.
Special waist beads are also available for pregnant women. They’re thought to provide protection for the mother and growing baby.
-Posture
When wearing waist beads a person becomes more aware of their stomach and posture. The beads more, and adjust 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.
