The Culture Behind Kandi | Kevin Taylor (2024)

FAQs

What is Kandi culture? ›

Kandi is a distinctive and unique part of rave culture and is designed to be given away or traded away as a sign of PLUR culture - peace, love, unity, and respect.

What is the meaning behind kandi and where did it come from? Kandi is a form of self-expression, and many people wear kandi to show they are a more upbeat, fun, and happy person.

Kandi bracelets are based on “friendship bracelets” (the tiny pieces of string that your best friend made you at summer camp back in 2005 that somehow is still attached to your body). Actually, though, hippies did it first back in the '60s. It was a way to remember someone and to keep them with you at all times.

Peace-Love-Unity-Respect-if you've traded a Kandi bracelet or two the PLUR concept probably isn't new to you. Kandi is a name used in the festival community to describe bracelets made of plastic beads that are often worn and exchanged at music events.

Kandi bracelets were first made and worn by drug dealers in the early 1990s. Drug dealers would go to raves hiding drugs like ecstasy and LSD on them and wear an arm-full of these bright bracelets so that other ravers could identify them and buy some of their product.

Origin (1950s–1970s)

In the late 1950s in London, England, the term "rave" was used to describe the "wild bohemian parties" of the Soho beatnik set. Jazz musician Mick Mulligan, known for indulging in such excesses, had the nickname "king of the ravers".

PLUR is a term commonly used by ravers and festival goers that stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This is a set of values and a mentality that ravers have spread across the community.

Originating in the early '90s, kandi soon became an endemic fixture in the rave scene. Ravers made and traded the little handmade bead bracelets as a show of friendship and solidarity. EDC Las Vegas has a particular fondness for kandi, as do many American festivals.

Kandi Burruss says Nene Leakes called her a 'c–n'

While they've always had a rollercoaster relationship, Burruss said she bid any potential truce adieu after learning Leakes called her a racial slur. “I don't know what her problem is with me.

Kandi worn on the right arm are for trade, while the left arm is off limits. Generally speaking, anything on the right arm is available for trade and the ones that are not tradeable are on the left. The ones on the left may be singles the person has received or have special meaning to them.

What does PLUR mean in Kandi? ›

They often don phrases that have a special meaning to the person wearing them or the person they're being given to. One of the most important parts of the 'kandi' culture is the process of gifting and the term PLUR (peace, love, unity, respect). It's a handshake that signifies acceptance.

Originating in Africa, waist beads are traditionally worn by women as a symbol of waist size, beauty, sexuality, femininity, fertility, well-being, and maturity.

Waist Beads Phto Healthline. In some African societies, female children are adorned with waist beads by their moms once they get their period to mark their rite of passage into womanhood. These beads symbolise the female child's transition from childhood to adulthood, proof of her fertility and sexuality.

Native American beaded patterns became a symbol of wealth, were used in marriage ceremonies, trade agreements, and treaties. Some beadwork patterns involve ritualistic use and were often used in spiritual dances and celebrations.

I eventually learned she was a Kandi Kid, part of a subculture of California's most devoted ravers. Originating in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, the group of eternally young, EDM-obsessed ravers—mainly teenagers and young adults—populate the underground free party scene along the West Coast.

MEANING: This name derives from the Ancient Greek noun “kandákē (κανδάκη)”, which in turn derives from the Egyptian (Meroitic) root “Kdke / Ktke > K(N)Dke”, meaning “glowing”.

Raves evolved from 1980s dance parties, aided by the emergence of European techno music and American house music. (See Rave Music.) European clubs that sponsored raves in the 1980s tried to limit the exposure of attendees to the public and to law enforcement.

Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (PLUR) was an ideology in the rave culture that promoted a “safe” sense to the community during the raves (Marsh 2006). Essentially, PLUR acted as the set of principles ravers were expected to follow.

Phat pants along with boiler suits, overalls, smiley faces, visors, and a bit of midriff were the rave fashion highlights of this era. Rave style by the late 1990's and early 2000's was heavily influenced by LA's roots in hip hop culture.

Does rave culture still exist? ›

The definitive answer is yes, raves do still exist in 2022. As time has moved on, we now have many options to choose from to enjoy our electronic music – from underground raves, to club events, to music festivals and it is important to determine which event to look for so that you will have the most fun at your rave.

“To be a raver is a lifestyle,” says Héctor. “Ravers are much less judgmental than the rest of society, we don't care who you are, we don't have to fit any stereotype. Being a raver implies being part of a community, respecting some unwritten rules and having a certain set of values or principles.”

While the '90s may have been peak whistle era, the sound has become symbolic of proper peak-time rave madness. It signifies the dance floor's appreciation of a mix well done. It's the rave equivalent to a golf clap.

Over the past several months she has lost 52 pounds. Kandi is so proud of her for keeping up with her goals and maintaining this lifestyle.

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss has never had alcohol. She's said publicly that drinking just “isn't her thing” and throughout season 9 of the hit Bravo reality series states that she doesn't drink or do drugs and never has.

Nene is a feminine and masculine given name, surname and nickname in several cultures. Feminine or Masculine depending on culture.

The surname Nene was first found in Belgium, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Hainault, a province in Belgium, based on the ancient county of Hainaut.

Burruss addresses drama with longtime friend Marlo Hampton

During the June 12 episode, Hampton made disparaging comments about Burruss to Whitfield, calling her "damn h-." “I'm sitting here looking at them like, 'Man, who are you to call somebody a h-? Stop it. ' That's what I was thinking,” Burruss said.

Although any kind of bead could be used to make kandi, typically plastic beads are used. There are many different kinds of plastic beads though, and each offers a unique and interesting looks for your kandi! Pony beads are the classic; big, round-edged beads that we all used as kids.

/ plɜr / PHONETIC RESPELLING. noun. peace, love, unity, respect: a mantra embraced by some popular culture communities, especially those associated with rave and electronic dance music events: ravers making new friends in the spirit of PLUR.

What are Kandi bracelets made of? ›

The bracelets are commonly made out of plastic Pony beads on a stretchy elastic band, usually with a phrase added with letter beads. While most Kandi bracelets are simple one strand pieces - "singles", they can get quite complex. 3D multi strand bracelets are called cuffs.

I eventually learned she was a Kandi Kid, part of a subculture of California's most devoted ravers. Originating in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, the group of eternally young, EDM-obsessed ravers—mainly teenagers and young adults—populate the underground free party scene along the West Coast.

Kandi worn on the right arm are for trade, while the left arm is off limits. Generally speaking, anything on the right arm is available for trade and the ones that are not tradeable are on the left. The ones on the left may be singles the person has received or have special meaning to them.

Yes, people still trade Kandi at raves and festivals. It's a tradition that has been around for decades, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So if you're ever at a rave or festival, don't be afraid to approach someone and start a conversation.

History. Raves evolved from 1980s dance parties, aided by the emergence of European techno music and American house music. (See Rave Music.) European clubs that sponsored raves in the 1980s tried to limit the exposure of attendees to the public and to law enforcement.