To Be Adorned: To Make More Beautiful or Attractive.
To Be Adorned: To Make More Beautiful or Attractive.
The History of Waist Beads
The tradition of waist beads were made popular by the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. They were worn as symbols of womanhood, fertility, sensuality, protection, and spirituality. Waist beads are recorded to have been worn as early as the 15th century to serve many celebratory purposes including rites of passage. They have gained popularity among women in the west and are commonly used to gauge changes in weight. Rather than step on a scale, women can use waist beads to stay aware of any weight gain or loss in the abdomen. Unlike the scale, waist beads are more compatible with body positive women of all sizes and shapes, and can comfortably be worn to adorn their body.
Bead Color Meaning Chart
There are a lot of styles, colors, and materials to choose from. Your waist beads can be rich with symbolism if you choose. Color is considered powerful and the main factor while choosing your waist beads. Each color and stone is associated with a specific meaning. With that being said, we can certainly create a one of a kind waist bead strand, specifically for you, based on your personal intention.
Measuring For Your Waist Beads
- Use a soft/cloth tape to measure by placing it where you would like your waist beads to fall.
- The position you measure is a personal decision based on where it is comfortable for you.
- Do not suck or squeeze in your stomach while measuring!
- You can also add an extra inch for comfort, if you would like.
- Where the zero and other number meet, is your measurement in inches.
Tying Your Waistbeads
You will need:
- Sharp scissors
- Container or bowl to catch extra beads
Instructions:
- Place the bead strand around your waist and decide where you want them to lay.
- Pull both anchor beads until the slipknots are loosened to make room for the beads to loosen/move.
- Make sure the beads are pushed back from the anchor beads so that the strand has no gaps.
- Cross strand to close the beads around your waist.
- Pull the top strand under and through in order to tie your first knot.
- Do not tie them too tight or else they will break.
- Tie 4 to 5 knots in order to secure your strand.
- Cut the anchor beads to allow the extra beads to fall into your container/bowl.
- Cut the remaining string close to your knot.
- Once they are on, they become an intimate extension of you. They can only be removed by cutting them.