Kanyi Okeke
Waist beads have gradually risen to become a fashion trend among Nigerian and African ladies.
Though it’s still being frowned upon by some people who see it as charms and a tool to enslave men and make them part with their hard-earned money.
What is a waist bead?
Waist beads is a traditional African fashion accessory that is usually made of smalls beads on a string and worn around the waist or hips.
They usually come in different colors, shapes and sizes and some of them also contain crystals and charms.
They are handmade and have been used by women from the olden days to feel more feminine and beautiful.
Below are the uses of waists beads
1). Weight Loss:
Are you tired of wearing waist trainers? buy a waist bead. They will help you shrink your waist and also help you to watch your weight.
Normally, the beads will sit on your hips but once it starts climbing up and resting on your stomach, you’ll know you’ve added some weight and it’s time to watch what you eat.
2) Makes Women Feel Attractive And Sensuous:
Waist beads have been used by women to feel attractive, beautiful and sensous.
For some women, it gives them that sexual appeal.
Some ladies wear the beads as a means of seduction to provoke desire. That’s why some beads have bells and once it rattles, their boyfriend or husband will know they are feeling sexy and wants to get some.
3) Heritage And Pride:
Most black women abroad buy the waist beads to show off their heritage as Africans. Most of them wear it to connect to their ancestors who were sold into slavery.
The beads is used as a reminder that their heritage is not far away and they also use it to celebrate their culture.
4) Rites Of Passage:
In some African cultures, waist beads are worn to show maturity and growth.
In some places, when a girl has seen her first period, she is usually worn a waist bead as a ceremonial rite of passage into womanhood.
5) Posture:
Waist beads have been used by girls to become more aware of their stomach and sitting posture.
They serve as reminder to know when to sit straight or when to tighten your stomach muscles so your big stomach does not pop out.
The beads fits differently depending on how a girl is sitting.
In conclusion, waist beads have come to stay. Though some people wear waist beads for protection against evil eyes and negative energy (Most waist beads that contain chakras and crystals are used for this), others wear it as a fashion accessory.
