Waist beads are accessories with deep cultural significance in Africa. The cultural significance of waist beads is peculiar to each region, however there are similarities in most of its functions.
Have you ever wondered why your girlfriend always wear waist beads. Though the reasons are varied and unique, here are some of the reasons behind this habit.
Sexual Attraction – Women wear waist beads because they believe it attracts the opposite sex and stirs deep emotional responses. The waist beads accentuate the figure and draw attention to the movement of the waist. It is believed that some women lace their waist beads with love spells to evoke deeper sexual attraction.
Symbol of Love – waist beads are given to women as a token of love from a suitor, a husband or family. Parents can gift waist beads to their daughters to demonstrate the love and affection they have for them.
Weight Control – some women use the waist beads as a means of watching and controlling their weight. When the waist beads become tight, it probably means the woman is adding weight and needs to do something about the weight gain.
Spiritual Protection – the Orisas, devotees of water deities and priestesses wear waist beads as a means of protection from malicious water spirits. They also wear waist beads to adorn their dress regalia.
Women also wear beads to protect their pregnancies from spirits and evil charms that can make them miscarry, have a still birth or die during delivery.
Girls are also taught that wearing waist beads from an early age helps them achieve more rounded hips, slim waists and fuller breasts.
