Historians believe the African tradition of waist beads may have originated among
the Yoruba tribes
, now mainly in Nigeria. But the practice is also seen in West Africa, notably Ghana, where the beads signify wealth and aristocracy, as well as femininity.
What culture started waist beads?
African waist beads were made popular by
the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria
. These beads have been noted to have been worn as early as the 15th century for many purposes such as rites of passage and as a status symbol.
What is the meaning behind waist beads?
Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that consist of small glass beads on a string or wire worn around the waist or hips. … In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are
a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being
.
Did waist beads originate in Egypt?
Waist beads can even be
traced back to ancient Egypt
, as shown in Figure 1. Hieroglyphs depict dancers adorned with braids and waist beads. Many people question when an appropriate time for waist beads is or if they should wear them at all.
Should waist beads be seen?
Waist beads
can be visible as a symbol of femininity, celebration, or aristocracy
, or hidden as a way of self-care or confidence or intimate appeal. There are many reasons why waist beads were, and still are, an intricate aspect of African (and now American) culture.
What does the Bible say about waist beads?
There are no verses in the Bible
or Quran that speaks against wearing of African beads. Even if there is, African waist beads are fashionable and our forebears wore them with a great sense of dignity.
What is the importance of wearing waist beads?
They are worn as a
celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, body shaping, protection and wealth
. Sexual Appeal: It is believed that a woman in waist beads is sexually appealing to men. Most African men love to see their women in beads.
What are African waist beads called?
Waist beads are accessories with deep cultural significance in Africa. … Yoruba waist beads are also called
Ileke, Jigida, and Lagidigba
. They are worn mainly by females, from the littlest to the oldest.
How do I choose my waist beads?
Depending on how you want to wear your waistbeads, you can measure yourself
above your navel
, just at your navel, or right above your hips. Use a tape measure and measure against your bare skin without sucking in your stomach. You shouldn’t hold the tape loose nor too snug. Think about where you want to wear the beads.
What color are fertility waist beads?
Embrace the symbolism of fertility with these waist beads made of
shades of green
glass seed beads with metallic clasps.
Does waist bead increase hips?
Women use it to adorn or accentuate their waistline thereby making their hips appear bigger and flexible
. It is one of the best selling accessories in west Africa. The Yorubas call it the “ileke” and they come in various shapes and sizes and suited for all body types.
Do waist beads make you lose weight?
Waist beads do help with weight loss and tracking your progress.
The beads fall lower on your waist as you shed inches and pounds
so you can visible see your weight loss. Waist beads roll higher on your waist when as you gain weight.
Is it a sin to wear anklets?
Is it a Sin to Wear An Anklet?
There is very little
, if any, research showing a history of anklets being regarded as a sin in any culture. … Anklets are mentioned twice in the Bible, in verses 16 and 18 in the book of Isaiah. But there is no positive or negative reasoning associated with anklets in the Bible.
Are tattoos a sin?
Tattoos Aren’t Sin
But Some Symbols Could Be
For example, if you’re going to make a tattoo of a pagan symbol, you’re likely making a tattoo against Christianity, same if you are going to tattoo a sign that potentially hints at witchcraft or glorifying some other religion.
What do black waist beads mean?
Black –
Power and protection
. Blue – Loyalty and truth. Brown – Earth and stability. Gold – Good health, power and wealth. Green – Abundance, fertility, nature and prosperity.
