Why Women Wear Waist Beads, Facts, Superstitions, And Why Some Men Don't Like it

Waist beads are often associated with beauty, feminism, and fertility. They have been in existence for centuries among African women of different sizes, shapes, and age. In recent times, the waist beads have increased in its popularity and have gone even beyond the shores of Africa. However, different questions have come up regarding the age-long adornment.

Here’s all you should know about the waist beads.

Why Women Wear Waist Beads

In ancient African traditions, women opt for waist beads because they defined their feminine beauty, and even fertility. However, in recent times, people have resulted to using it because it is believed to checkmate weight, have healing properties, and as rite of passage. Still, others believe there’s sexiness in it as well as gives a better shape to the hips.

Before the modern days, women choose colours that are significant to their cultures. Still, many cultures have different reasons why women wear beads.

Other reasons why women wear waist beads include:

Decoration purposes
Weight measurement
Heritage
Posture maintenance

Interesting Facts About The Waist Beads

Waist Beads Are Said To Have Originated From Egypt

Even though it is difficult to trace the origin of waist beads, it is claimed that it is dated back to the 15th century in Egypt. However, other reports would go on to say it has been used in West African cultures for centuries, hence it may have originated from the region.

Cowry Shells Can Be Substituted For Beads

Cowries are of great significance in many cultures, especially in ancient times. While others used them as money many years ago, others used them for beautification and even in traditional worship. In terms of adorning her waist and as charms, women could use it instead of beads. Also, in the present-day, a woman can substitute the use of beads for cowries for uniqueness, as charms, as well as beauty.

There Is No Particular Age For Wearing The Bead

Most times, the beads are worn by women who reach puberty and older. In a Ghanaian culture, however, baby girls are adorned with them during naming ceremonies. When this is done, the beads are often changed to fit her new body size as she grows.

It Can Be Used To Show A Woman Is Fertile

In some cultures in Ghana, larger beads or bells are worn by a woman to create sounds so as to attract potential suitors. These women wear these beads only when the reach the age of fertility.

Some Beads May Have Spiritual Effects

Not all beads are worn to beautify the woman’s body or even to bring out her feminism. There are a number that are believed to have special spiritual powers. They include:

Blue Eyes (Evil Eye): These are believed to protect the user against evil.
Green Aventurine: For luck, prosperity, and wealth.
Hamsa: For protection against evil or bad luck.
Lapis Lazuli: Peace, wisdom, truth and insight.
Quarts: Clarity, amplifies other crystals.
Rose Quartz: Love, compassion and healing.

Superstitions Attached To Waist Beads

Across many cultures, there are several beliefs regarding the beads around a woman’s waist. In some cultures, women wear it during sex when they are trying to conceive.

In some South African cultures, pregnant women wear it to seduce their husbands. Others claim the beads can protect both mother and child during pregnancy, while others would go on to say that it helps women to give birth with ease.

According to a peacefm article, the beads may reduce promiscuity among men because it is believed to capture men’s attention to a particular woman.

When some beads are worn, they are said to protect the wearer from every evil. It is also believed to attract men and keep them glued.

All these beliefs, however, have not been proven scientifically but there are people who still hold on to them. Still, these beads that have a special potency are believed to be charmed.

Why Men Don’t Like Waist Beads

There are a number of men that admire waist beads while others don’t feel the same about it. For those who don’t like it, here are some reasons.

Some men believe the beads are associated with evil and may have some spiritual effects on them.
When women wear beads on their waists, there are men who see them as promiscuous.
There may be some religious beliefs that may be against wearing beads.
Other men don’t find it attractive.