What You don't Know About Waist Beads

The wearing of beads on the waist was made popular by the Yorubas in Nigeria,worn by the women to prevent conception and were also around the waist of baby girls to perfectly shape her buttocks. Unlike a necklace or a bracelet, waist beads attract and evoke deep emotional responses within us. Today they are seen as a tasteful and fashionable accessory; however some people still maintain cultural and superstitious beliefs about them. Waist beads originated in Africa where traditionally they were symbolic of Mother Nature's initiation of a young girl. In some parts of Africa, the waist beads are made of fragrant materials like sandalwood and are anointed in oils. In Egypt, waist beads were called “girdles”. All the women wore them and it was a uniform for pre-pubescent girls with out any sexual connotation. But usually servants or dancers wore them and are shown in wall relief’s wearing them and nothing else! In West Africa, waist beads have several names such as Jel-Jelli, Jigeda, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay or Yomba. They’re always worn under clothes. In Ghana women knew that waist beads helped form their body into a particular shape and adult women wear beads to sexually stimulate the male. In other parts of West Africa, women would wear waist beads with bells on them, and when they walked it would make a jingling noise. Dipping them in oil scented the beads. Some people use it to watch their weight. as in when it's tight on them they will know that they re adding weight. Well waist beads are lovely if you ask me.. ☺