What does a belly chain represent?
They're also referred to as belly beads, waistline beads, or beaded waist chains. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.
The use of waist chains can be traced back to 4000 years or more originating in the Indian Subcontinent. Historically, waist chains have been used in India, by men and women, as ornaments and as part of religious ceremonies, as accessories and to show affluence.
You do not have to be African to wear waist beads, nor do you have to wear waist beads for its traditional purposes. We want to celebrate the historical culture of African waist beads while giving a greater audience the chance to learn about its origins, adopt this form of body adornment, and make it their own!
Waist beads are a piece of jewelry worn around the waist or hip area. Originating in Africa, waist beads are traditionally worn by women as a symbol of waist size, beauty, sexuality, femininity, fertility, well-being, and maturity.
Filters. An ornamental chain worn around the waist; seen by some as a symbol of slavery. noun.
What is a Body Chain? Stylish body chain. Find it here. Body chains are just that – an accessory made of metal worn on your body. Unlike a necklace or a bracelet that has a defined space, body chains can be worn across your chest, on your back, around your hips… the options are endless.
Some women who are deeply rooted in spiritual things also wear these beads for good luck. Others believe it does bring them peace, good night rest etc. They also wear them during meditation. They claim it helps bring protection to their heart, mind, body and soul. Hence, they use it against bad omen.
They're everywhere, but “they're not for show,” said Bowden, owner of Creative Waist Beads by Journey Armon (her children's names) in Oakland. “In African tradition, waist beads are meant to be worn under clothing,” she said. “They're for you. It's personal.
If the beads are worn as part of spiritual or religious practice, then it could also mean that the person is experiencing a crisis of faith. There is no definitive interpretation for this, so it's best to talk to a trusted friend or spiritual advisor to get their take on what it means when your waist beads break.
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.
How many waist beads do you wear?
For beginners, we recommend wearing 1-3 strands. The more you get used to wearing waist beads, the more strands you may add.
Green: prosperity, fertility, abundance, hope, healing. Purple: spirituality, wisdom, royalty. Red: vitality, passion, bravery, confidence. White: light, truth, purity. Yellow: wisdom, clarity, awareness, energy, joy.
![What do belly chains symbolize? (2024)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d2ITcLkITXo/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCNAFEJQDSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLDOQk3LSFZQj-wOX3jEQ9aFygELwg)
In history these beads are recorded to have been worn as early as the 15th century to serve many celebratory purposes including rites of passage. Black – Power, protection, silence, and elimination. Blue – Loyalty, peace, hope, healing, patience and truth. Brown – Earth, grounding, and stability.
You can wear your waist beads all day, everyday. They may dull after time from showering, if that happens just polish them with a cloth. If you do want to take them off from time to time you'll want to tie them loosely from the beginning and then just pull them up and off like a shirt.
Wearing a belly chain is pretty simple. You simply wrap it around your waist and clasp the metal clasp. It's similar to putting on a necklace. The key to your look is to make sure you pair your belly chain with the right outfit.
- It helps with weight loss. You may use waist beads to chart your weight instead of getting on a scale every day to know whether there's a gain or a loss. ...
- Boosts Sexual Attraction and Satisfaction. ...
- Heritage and pride. ...
- Maturity.
intentions can also be set with stretch beads by holding them in your hand and massaging the beads between your finger tips while repeating your affirmation (just an example but you can set intentions however you'd like).
How To Remove Waist Beads - YouTube
During Ghanaian naming ceremonies, babies are typically adorned with waist beads, while young adults also wear beads around their waists and on their hips during puberty rites as a portrayal of femininity. These beads are believed to possess the power to attract as well as evoke deep emotional responses.
You wear them around your waist and make an unparalleled fashion statement, whether conventional or modern, depending upon the kind of attire you pair it with or the way you flaunt it! The conventional waist chains are generally made out of gold and silver.
How do you wear a belly chain?
Wearing a belly chain is pretty simple. You simply wrap it around your waist and clasp the metal clasp. It's similar to putting on a necklace. The key to your look is to make sure you pair your belly chain with the right outfit.
Belly chains are the new controversial trend. This 2000s trend is back stronger than ever and we see it on the runway on everyday people and throughout many websites. Especially since it's starting to warm up, this is the 'it' accessory.