Real Meaning Behind Waist Beads | Localish

Aicha co-owns Top Diversified Fashions with her husband Bass Lo in the Downtown Inglewood Fashion District. Top Diversified Fashions has been bringing African culture to Inglewood on Market Street for nearly nine years now. 'Our shop, we do African clothes, men and women and children, and we make them,' Bass said. 'We design them and make them here.' Waist beads can serve many purposes, they're said to help with weight awareness and help posture. Aicha says mothers in Africa even adorn their babies with them for protection. They're also used to express a woman's sensuality.
SUBSCRIBE for more good food, good people, and good living!
Check us out on:
Site - www.localish.com
Facebook - / localish
Instagram - / localish
Twitter - / localish
Localish is all about bringing out the good in America’s cities. Our locally-sourced stories transcend city limits so you can live like a local wherever you go.
#Localish

[@_Sadia-A]

This mini documentary didn’t go in depth... The meaning of waist beads is complex and not exclusively for aesthetic reasons originally. There’s more than meet the eyes. I am Yoruba descent from Benin Republic (country on west side of Nigeria). In my tribe, waist beads have been worn for generations and generations. Many say that waist beads originated from us (the Yoruba). In the old days, they were worn for fertility or contraception. Some would wear them so their husbands would only have eyes on them (women). So they were only for the eyes of their husbands. They were also worn for divine protection. In Africa you can see babies wearing their own on their waist. They were also worn to attract riches and power. Different purpose= different colors. Different families = different colors Indeed, royalties wear purple. I guess explaining in full depth would have made a much longer video.

[@bernie715]

Thanks for explaining! :)

[@tahiraj.2456]

Thank you for your explanation of the waist beads.

[@summerstoker4705]

Thank you ❤️

[@Ty-Godseeall]

Thanks so much for explanation of them

[@jbroadway9010]

Thank you

[@sarahackah-yensu6838]

In Ghana, various ethnic groups wear the waist beads due to a number of reasons though most are due to folklore or by oral history. According to my late maternal grandmother (she was of the Ga ethnic group), its put on baby girls from the time they are born till they hit puberty to aid in the shaping of the body so the baby girl grows up with a feminine figure. It also served as a weight check for most women. It was also worn for aesthetic purposes I.e enhances a woman's beauty just like an earring or hair style would do. It was also worn by women to make their husband's focus on them. But what I was told was it was never to be worn outside of clothes. According to my grandmother, it was not every "eye" that had to see the beads worn as it could be used "spiritually "against the wearer as it's so close to the body and even worn when bathing by some people. It therefore becomes one with the person. Hence she even taught us her granddaughters that to dispose off a particular set after one is tired of wearing it, you have to cut the thread or wire that was used to thread it and then dispose of the beads bit by bit. Never throw away a set that has just been removed from your body. Guess what Africans...our culture is amazing

[@stashar.4535]

I think this was so interesting and thank you so much for sharing. I think that black people have such interesting traditions, all of the diaspora of black culture is so rich and our traditions are so cool, interesting, and diverse ❤. I'm African American and my grandmother who was Half African American (with a splash of French due to slavery Im sure 🙄😒) and half Native American (Her mom was a black Cherokee) from the south here in the USA and had some very interesting traditions and rituals. The way your grandmother taught you to dispose of the beads is similar to the practice my grandmother taught me about disposing of hair when you comb or brush shed hair, she told me you never throw it away in the trashcan as is, because people (Or animals) could get a hold of it and do bad things with your hair (☝🏿😆 the people not the animals...although she said if animals get it particularly like birds or something of that nature it would give you a headache, but the people on the other hand could use it to put spells or a hex on you.). So whenever my mother did my grandmas hair she would have either me or my mom burn it and discard the ashes in a way where they wouldn't be gotten hold of. A lot of hers had to do with not leaving shed parts of yourself for others to get a hold of cause she was convinced that people could do things with them and also personal belongings.

[@Inka_Morrisson]

I'm from ivory coast and my mother told me the exact same thing

[@sarahackah-yensu6838]

@@stashar.4535 Wow...its amazing how wonderful we are as a people no matter our race or culture

[@sarahackah-yensu6838]

@@Inka_Morrisson oh that's soo amazing to know. Thank u for sharing

[@africaine4889]

@@stashar.4535 wow about the hair thing it is just like my tribe in Congo. Same for nails

[@Kimillions]

I appreciate the mini doc but they never really discussed the real "meaning". Is there a part 2?

[@a.turner8813]

Exactly 😆

[@deenad3562]

And never mentioned which countries or tribes...

[@ratedr9672]

Precisely 🙄

[@thefashionally2285]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@aprilsflower1622]

You could also do the research yourselves

[@sandrakimbrough7611]

I really hate that our culture was complex stolen from us but it’s good to see that’s are now making those connections again.

[@liztomblin]

it’s really sad how they white washed this beautiful culture.

[@paigequeenb8257]

Agreed. It is a secret thing but now it's trendy like braids. We can't have anything

[@liztomblin]

Paige Queen B right like i’m white and i saw waist beads everywhere so i looked it up and saw it was a huge part of african culture so i educated myself and didn’t wear them because it is not my culture to show off. that is what everybody who isn’t part of this culture should be doing

[@spiderGirl-jr7vb]

I saw a TikTok of a girl thinking she invented waist beads

[@crownbodyandsoulllc9222]

Right

[@chunguchibwe5272]

Some reasons waist beads are worn: To keep evil spirits away from the womb To indicate the menstrual cycle To identify a girl who is ready for marriage ( certain beads are used to identify a virgin) To show fertility For beauty To show class ( social status) Those are the few I know of.

[@kamigriff]

Wow, thank you 🙏🏽

[@tamiajackson]

Which color keeps evil spirits away from the womb?

[@adiogalloway4404]

Ty❤

[@siedahwilliams9596]

Does this do anything for shrinking your waist...or are there any particular ones that do so?

[@mazuegibson4666]

And maintaining your curve too.

[@carnita523]

I am American and I am married to an Gambian, I wear the beads too, my sister n law gave them to me on our wedding day. Beautiful culture

[@prettylittleliarsforever5902]

I’m Gambian!!!! That’s such a beautiful gesture from ur sister in law. Hope u have a happy and fulfilled marriage girl!

[@faxoxo2306]

I Gambian too. Nagadef? I have som many of these lol lowbeh la

[@faxoxo2306]

I am Gambian too, and I have so many of these.

[@NkemOnyeka12]

I'm American married to a Nigerian, and my husband bought me my first waist beads. I wear them for him and when I put them on...I feel more feminine. Beads are, to me, like a different form of Intimate wear...like lingerie. 🙂

[@memefaison6007]

Do you only wear them once, or can you wear them multiple times? Do you take them off at the end of the day?

[@james3231]

@@memefaison6007 you don't take them off. Beads are also good because they give your body nice shape and prevents your waist from growing wider.

[@ameera.abubakr]

@@james3231 how do you shower with them and change clothes

[@sandraersin]

:-D :-D :-D

[@memefaison6007]

@Siobhan Fogarty lol

[@curli-lettey4319]

I've heard about waist beads a while ago but I did not know that it should not be shown (only your man/husband) should have access to see them. Also, with the traditions of either your mother or grandmother should tie them around the waist. Not to sound biased but I wouldn't want this to be overexposed by "others" who will want to claim it theirs and distort the tradition and true culture behind the waistbeads.💌

[@besetterobinson7468]

But you know the women with no color will steal them and call it their own 😥

[@mmca9323]

I do feel like gatekeeping this tradition for ourselves.

[@legslipsandlashes9831]

Yes. Waistbeads are like lingerie.

[@georgouspeach]

Yes private. It is very private to wear them and to show them. For u alone or u and ur mate.

[@chumps7974]

Nothing wrong with gatekeeping. We need to keep more gates. But we have to avoid the temptation of money. The more we keep it for ourselves the more they will offer.

[@crissylacolebestlife]

Waist beads are a beautiful, feminine, and spiritual adornment. My waist beads are literally a part of me, once tied on I don’t take off. I would feel weird without them. And yes my husband is definitely a fan 😁.

[@lqwalker79]

Is it just me or is anybody else waiting to hear the actual purpose/reason of wearing waist beads?? Saying it's sensual or cute or cultural is not an explanation...

[@sisternum9022]

Do not wear them over your clothes. The story is a secret, please fined an elder woman to explain it too you.

[@nessparadis6948]

It’s not supposed to be seen at all.

[@magicallyme96]

@@nessparadis6948 Ok but whyyyy? Is the question? Is it sexual? Or forbidden?

[@actualwakandangirl7121]

@@magicallyme96 Both! Different colors mean different things. In my culture the black ones are forbidden, the colorful ones are usually put on babies to repel bad energy. Grown women wear them for fertility and sensuality reasons. They are only worn under clothes.

[@cloudygigi2270]

@@actualwakandangirl7121 thank you. I can feel the seriousness of this when you are explaining!!

[@missvixen45]

I wear mine over my clothes. Get lots of compliments

[@IntheMidwithDom]

I’m 31 and I’ve worn beads since I was 15. I live in New York and visited the African Burial Ground and saw pictures of beads in the grave. My ancestors will live through our traditions! Axé

[@tracywestwood9338]

In Ghana, in my family, we wear it to shape your body; it gives your body a ‘feminine shape’.

[@selvision]

If you are grown does it still shape the body

[@tracywestwood9338]

@@selvision idk if it will do much but my mom still wears hers

[@nanaabaafriyie2453]

@@tracywestwood9338 honestly there is no scientific proof of that. But when you wear it, it gives this feminine aura. It's a good feeling and it does make your waist look delicate. You can wear it but I can't guarantee it will give a "feminine shape".

[@nightlingsalad]

So, I'm African American. I'm recently learning more about my African ancestors and have just a little while ago learned about waistbeads. I want to learn more and I want to make my own but is it ok to wear them on the outside of your clothes? I saw some comments that said they should not be seen

[@periodpooh2488]

@@nightlingsalad it’s best if african waist beads are not shown bc of its spiritual purposes. but ik that african americans also have cultural waist beads tied to them and they show theres. so honestly you can wear both

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

African cultures are the BEST!!!!! Hands down, you won't find any other cultures on this face of the earth that is so diverse and beautiful. Unfortunately many of our cultures were stolen and shipped to the Middle East, India, and Europe and tried to be claimed as theirs, but we have memory and stories so this is handed down to be saved.

[@lizU-i4j]

Such ignorant statement. It shows how unexposed and uneducated you are. Stolen, stolen, stolen.... Travel round the wirld and you’d be blown away. It’s unfortunate that people think the world starts and ends with the Transatlantic Slave Trade or the exchange of Africa and Europe. As if other places don’t have culture ir Africa hasn’t taken from other places.

[@Drkbtterfly13th]

@@lizU-i4j what does Africa have to take from any country? we are the blueprint! the creators! The inovators! Without us knowing what we know from the mainland The Wytes wouldn’t even know how to walk on all 4’s and Clean Themselves I know it hurts to hear but. 🤷🏾‍♀️. 💁🏾‍♀️👑

[@openeyed777]

@@lizU-i4j You’re the one who’s ignorant! About history ESPECIALLY. Many things were stolen and claimed to be created, invented by others, particularly AFRICAN culture. Yeah, it didn’t start with the Transatlantic slave trade. It was going on LONG BEFORE THAT - FROM AFRICA. Even the original children of the Most High had their IDENTITY STOLEN by ppl who claim to be them TODAY, for CENTURIES. WTH UP, stop down playing your CONTINENT’S GREATNESS & learn your history.

[@Superlife1369]

@@Drkbtterfly13th We ARE the blueprint! I love ❤️ it!

[@Chapa24.]

India has a rich culture of its own. And it was a pivotal landmark of international trade throughout history. It’s only natural that certain foreign cultural aspect can be adapted through foreign merchants, and early settlers. India doesn’t need to steal any culture. It’s a cultural hub of its own 😂 FYI I’m not even Indian, if you think I’m being biased. It is ignorant to include a country so rich in culture and history to your list. India is actually a country that a lot of other cultures stole both material and culture from.

[@goddessofthecosmos]

O this was everything❤❤. I wear mines for weight loss. The bigger they get around me i tighten it up to see my progress.

[@iAquarius202]

My sister in law is from Tanzania and she bought me waist beads after I gave birth to my daughter. She told me it would help in making my stomach area flatten. I loved the beads, they were so pretty and I kept them on until the string popped (which I think is what she told me to do also). Really enjoyed the video. 💜

[@Realtalknewyorkwithjanique]

I need a few! They are also good to keep track of your weight

[@lilymemoriesrice]

Thank you to my African sisters who are doing a better job of explaining waist beads than the actual video did. I'll add another explanation from my culture in Zimbabwe. At puberty the local medicine woman would create waist beads for young girls that were twined using the bark of a specific tree (sorry forgot the name of the tree). The purpose was to regulate our menstruals and eliminate cramps etc. Girls would wear them non-stop for years or until they were confident that their cycles were constant, exact and pain free. I'm thankful that I was not too "modern" and wore mine for two years straight. Never had a day of pain to this day.💃🏾

[@amEAGLEBABY5]

The meaning wasn't well explained but from what I got is that your connection to the bead/ crystal placement held something special along with the colors(can relate to royalty/ emotion/ energy) and type of crystal you use can signify something very sacred and intimate for a woman..it's for you and your significant other to enjoy..of course other benefits could be to look appealing... my mom has a few and I need to go & get mine lol

[@chumps7974]

I agree, it wasn't explained very well.

[@rachel.shakira]

okay so witchcraft. Expected.. thanks

[@amEAGLEBABY5]

@@rachel.shakira lol sure.. but perceptions on that will vary 😊

[@rachel.shakira]

@@amEAGLEBABY5 Yeah im sure, some are veiled still and some have been removed. Im praying conviction on lost and hardened hearts. Light needs to shine somewhere. God bless.

[@rachel.shakira]

@@amEAGLEBABY5 Also, research what witchcraft means. Regardless if it rubs you wrong, thats what it is.

[@melissabandy5589]

I Love Waist Beads, my daughters and I have some. We love everything about them. 🖤

[@amandatodd2661]

www.girl-shh.com have the best affordable waist beads. Check them out #BlackOWNED

[@MemoryChronicles]

I remember wanting these as a little girl 🤣My mom wouldn’t let me wear them. She never said why but growing up I would see women with them

[@kosewa1]

I like what the woman said “ you mum put it on you and you put it on your children”. I’ve had my beads since I was a little girl. The only time I took it off was when I was pregnant. Right after my son was born, the beads were back on. I love ❤️ it. And I can’t even tell you why😂😂😂.

[@estergomes1358]

I’m African from Angola 🇦🇴 but NEVER heard of waist beads until KZbin suggested to me.

[@gregory5261]

Is sad Portuguese’s did some damage in Angola and even erase Mamés

[@Dr.yaya1711]

Still didn’t explain the meaning just glossed over the topic

[@KingofgraceSARA]

They're demonic.

[@uarestrong76]

@@KingofgraceSARA lmao enjoy that colonizer religion.

[@raine2353]

@@KingofgraceSARA they're plastic or rocks on a string 🙄

[@Maz-zb9uf]

Before talk about colonize religion look up the traditions your ancestors use to do and continue to do in Africa tribes . Breast ironing, mulating female genitals etc.

[@uarestrong76]

@@Maz-zb9uf I don't do tradition and I don't do religion so no neither of these things will advance humanity

[@scarekrooo2489]

She did a lot of talking and said nothing

[@posheditor]

facts 😂

[@lissaanne]

😂😂

[@kiznkel]

😂😂🤣

[@chika7086]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@catherinenabwami5728]

The waist beads are worn for reasons such as adornment, they shape your waist, family planning(counting safe days), beauty etc

[@Native-Kitty]

Even though it was short, it was a good video. It wet your pallet enough that you wanna educate yourself more on waist beads and their cultural meaning. Beads are beautiful to wear no matter the size. Diamonds are not the only jewelry in the world.

[@dearbrave4183]

In African culture waist beads weren't supposed to be seen by outsiders they were worn inside the clothes. I think the title is misleading. It seems like the concept is being changed to fit the current fashion era of tank tops and body show off and not culture in itself, the significance or practice of it. Couldn't this fall under culture misappropriation? Taking something and changing the meaning of it to fit a desired purpose.

[@MsAthena681]

I received mines some years ago at a party for them. I've never felt so feminine and such divinity. I chose my colors that are my favorites and ethnic to Greece... I wear them for spiritual reasons and for waist training. I love them and will never remove them ❤💓💕

[@dddd5989]

So you Greece wearing African east beads. How you possibly wear it for spiritual reason other then African spirituality. Of course you wearing it for waist training. And also getting it from a party wow Some about culture appropriate as you can get it

[@MsAthena681]

@@dddd5989 yes because I am half Greek and half Black. I am very aware of their origin and both cultures I embrace. Spirituality has no denomination and love has no race, color etc. I am what I am and wanted to share my story, stay blessed😇

[@dddd5989]

@@MsAthena681 you clearly anit black. You can’t even mention which African country your so called black is at. Every mix black Africans will always mention where there family from and I can tell you don’t have half black Africans family from that uneducated comments. You clearly don’t embrace the culture but use it as fashion simple as that.

[@MsAthena681]

@@dddd5989 again stay blessed!

[@Leenabear-lj7dz]

❤❤❤❤ i was told negative things about waist beads and I hated i listened to them without gaining full knowledge. I want to make my own. These lovely informative comments puts me at ease. Hey I'm relearning everything in my spiritual journey. ❤❤❤❤❤stay strong beautiful queens

[@lizU-i4j]

I’ve read so many comments and my mind is almost numb 🤦🏽‍♀️. People, we live in a global village. Its okay to share cultures and be part of what you like, even if you’re not from there. These practices of exchanging cultures have existed from the beginning of time. I’m African and I travel a lot. I always want to share in the culture of where I go and mostly bring back those experiences with me and live it. Chill y’all!! And the people crying the most about racism are the ones being most racist. I had to add this one. Chill and enjoy life.

[@openeyed777]

No problem with sharing culture. The problem arises when ppl take credit for something they didn’t create. And NO, the ppl crying about racism are NOT THE MOST RACIST. Stop parroting msm bs. That is just a way to shut ppl up about REAL RACISM.🤦🏿🤦🏿🤦🏿🤦🏿

[@jennye3482]

Where from Africa are you from?

[@dobbiejoyner8110]

Say that 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@gregory5261]

@@jennye3482 don’t mind her they don’t mention their country but we be saying africa

[@salhamasoud6899]

I am Tanzanian and in our culture these beads are given to married women only and they are worn inside the clothes. I remember when I was younger I used to cry for them cause they are so pretty, my mom was like ' shush, they are for big people'

[@KingofgraceSARA]

Is it to keep your husband bound to you?

[@Aritul]

I just heard about waist beads about two weeks ago. This video was interesting.

[@magdatorruellas9122]

This is so kool, being Yoruba decent I love learning more about my peoples. There are other cultures that do the waist beads as well but I believe it is chain instead but same meaning. Can you please do more docs like this but about different things concerning the women? Thank you soooooo much!

[@sheamarcelle]

She gave no good reason to wear it but thinking it's sexy 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@terejosh13]

I think you should learn to comprehend better it will help in life

[@ChazoAnwah]

@@terejosh13 the only purpose of this video is to be a trailer kind of deal. All they can do is tease your intrest to do further research

[@KingofgraceSARA]

There is no good reason unless you want to be shackled to demons.

[@nessparadis6948]

@@KingofgraceSARA , what makes you say that?

[@dearbrave4183]

Ignorance at its highest. That's how culture is lost

[@benjerry8987]

Yellow is rich Purple is royalty White is sculls and bones Black is purity Red is identity

[@lucariobtuse395]

How?

[@shexxiz9772]

They look really pretty I'd love one 👍😌

[@Just_Vryatt]

I thought it was well known that traditionally it’s not to be out shown in public only for a husband’s eyes..I’ve heard that ever since I knew about waist beads Something so comforting about them especially when using crystals or other natural material.. unlike the plastic remake versions made in America 🤷‍♀️

[@lucariobtuse395]

Syntheticism, just like the barriers between cultures. There are no cultures only traditions and ideas.

[@callieduval3000]

Soon as I drop a few pounds around my waist I'm wearing some

[@nymeria1160]

You can use them to track your weight easily. If you put them on now you'll see & feel your progress as you go & they begin to loosen around your waist. When they tighten up you'll know when you have to cut back on the sweets a little too. 😉

[@robertachewitt3585]

In the Caribbean, women use them to control their waistline. When you gain weight, the beads will ride up.

[@sedsa097]

Where in the Caribbean?

[@Floratic]

I've seen waist beads being worn but never knew it originated in Africa until 2 weeks ago. Long story short, once again Americans are culturally appropriating something else from Africa.

[@wonganimwase9881]

Where I come from they are worn from the head downwards like you would a t shirt. They don’t fall off due to the hips.

[@infinitejock.2435]

I use my waist beads to check if am gaining or losing weight. I love them.

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

OK this is interesting. I used to wear a chain, and people would always give me charms for my belly chain. I wore it for years, never took it off. I had no idea about this. LOVE THE BEADS! I'd definitely do this, I love beading. Thank you.

[@albertaowusu3536]

Why is she wearing them over her clothes? They are supposed to be hidden.

[@msrtmills]

Maybe she didn't want to show her waist for the video.

[@dobbiejoyner8110]

It may have been to demonstrate how to wear them . There should have been clarity though.

[@cathrinaoshinowo8021]

Where I come from in West Africa, worn for fertility, have charms placed on them to keep partner. Have been known to do the opposite.

[@jamrockjamrockjamrock3106]

The waistband has more promiscuous sexual meaning as the lady explained that's why they didn't want to go too deep about it

[@JesusLovesEVERYTHING]

Explain

[@heidic0355]

@@JesusLovesEVERYTHING I think by that this person meant that people don’t usually talk about them because there are supposed to be worn under clothing as a traditional lingerie, i personally wear them because I think it looks nice but at same thing I don’t flaunt them.

[@JesusLovesEVERYTHING]

@@heidic0355 I bought some from a woman she said to never wear them out.. still dont know why though. At the time I didn't think much of it. I wish I would've cared to ask

[@heidic0355]

@@JesusLovesEVERYTHING I think that’s because since the beads are seen as lingerie if you wore them out some people would think you are trying to be promiscuous. It depends on what your wearing but you typically don’t put them outside of your clothing or let anyone else (besides your significant other) see them.

[@2joie]

no-one sees my waist beads except my husband.I wear 3 an my best friend brings them back from her country when she visits.

[@kathydbrumfieldb8753]

I totally learned something today! Thank you

[@karliekhroniqnerd6211]

Disappointed I didn’t actually learn anything about the meaning of them. Not a great edit of the footage.

[@KingofgraceSARA]

They're not of God!

[@nu8278]

@@KingofgraceSARA I heard the same...

[@TNT31414]

I thought the beads reminded u not to eat too much 🤷🏾‍♀️ u learn something new every day.

[@sandrasmith9635]

Hahaha.

[@valenciaing.4316]

They are used for weight loss too as they will become tighter when you gain weight indicating that sis need to slow down

[@Brownsuga210]

And the meaning was??

[@aurthinadouglas9032]

Rt whole reason I watched

[@Brownsuga210]

@@aurthinadouglas9032 Exactly!!

[@RDCFemmes]

i think, the meaning is differet in different part of Africa. congolese and I remember as a kid see my nanny wearing one and she told me it was to define her waist (do know if it's true or not). it something that my parnets didn't do si I assume, it's not practise in both their cultures or tribes. there's a documentary I watched yeras ago about some tribes in central africa (could congo, central african republic or cameroon) that wore it for fertility.

[@Brownsuga210]

@@RDCFemmes Oh okey thanks beauty, I thought the video would have explained the various meanings and significance.

[@georgouspeach]

Yes. Wrong title. Nvr touched that part lol

[@wizbiz112]

Even before hearing the audio of this video, I felt pulled to watch. This feels right. Almost like being touched

[@KingofgraceSARA]

That's dark.

[@wizbiz112]

@@KingofgraceSARA depends on the perspective 😌

[@theresamoney1417]

Guess it's research time. Thanks for the teaser❤

[@blueblaze9862]

I just bought my first waist beads yesterday and I feel so beautiful

[@YAHSWarrior7777]

I have a pair of waist beads that I hand made. Mine has 7 strands of different shades of blue beads.. blessings.🙏🏾

[@profilmwork]

They said a whole bunch of nothing, is it because if they say the real meaning a lot of women won’t qualify to wear them? 🤷🏾‍♂️ just asking

[@hasiyausman6421]

I love making mine....I ll go buy the beads and string them at home and I like mixing some colors together...I put some on my daughter and nieces too...love them

[@lucariobtuse395]

Great idea.

[@queenb2713]

Me being Nigerian I don't wear waist bead for fashion bcuz they have meaning behind them

[@vedales8670]

Wore them for 4 years until they fell off. Would love some more

[@queensouthpark4036]

In my culture they're used for protection and worn by children and some women use it to express their sensuality and adornment But they're some waist beads worn by women with the mermaid spirit and they wear it to channel their energy towards attracting and keeping a men because the energy if not contained it can repel men

[@shalalala868]

How can an inanimate object "protect" unless there was some kind of spirit behind it?

[@lucariobtuse395]

@@shalalala868 cool

[@jsajouste]

I was told it enhances your shape. I never remove mine and have worn them underneath my clothes. With the exception of a bathing suit at the beach, it’s out of sight except for my man.

[@silvertad3833]

that voodoo

[@l3loodforpride426]

Yet u worship white jesus

[@jonellemarquette5635]

I know a few Africans and when asked they never have a straight reason for wearing them as in this video so I will never do something that another culture was doing just because something was "cute"

[@danchiengchiengi8581]

Its voodoo probably

[@preztjuswoman]

They are used to keep a woman's waist small. A woman is not supposed supposed to have them exposed.

[@preztjuswoman]

@@danchiengchiengi8581 There sheer stupidity and ignorance of your comment; looks good on you.

[@owusuaa7856]

Hello, I am Ghanaian and the reason why we may wear waist beads is to shape the waist. We are taught not to show or expose it to anyone as it is sacred and should be only seen by your spouse/someone you deeply love. In a way it is like Africa lingerie lol so showing it defeats the purpose.

[@owusuaa7856]

@@danchiengchiengi8581 it is nothing to do with voodoo however I would advise that you do research on who you are getting it from as they may not have the best intentions. If you are a person of faith please pray/bless it before wearing it.

[@brendangesa7144]

On Kenyan culture we wear them for shape and if married you husband enjoy playing with them.

[@leaaaaah78890]

Do you leave it on when taking showers?

[@naominashson5942]

Yes, and we grow up with it till it breaks on its own. It's normally used to give you a nice shape. So when you are a little girl your mama put it around your waist and unlike in the video you wear it underneath your clothes, you don't expose it unless the person is your boyfriend/husband. Cause it's like lingerie .

[@preciousnjokueziefula9784]

in Nigerian Igbo culture, women wear it as protection against evil spirits, it was also used for royalty or chieftaincy in the Igbo culture, and sometimes wedding and decorative accessories. it is cultural wear, and wearing it would be cultural appropriation, but if you want to go on and wear any normal non cultural beads I think that is ok

[@cherrynoire13]

I’ve had mine for quite some time & love every single one

[@Victoria-uq8mf]

One of my friends i went to highscool with uses yarn and puts it on baby under garment from the time she is born. And replaces it as it gets worn or too small. I never knew it was suppose to have beads.

[@mjoneslifestyle]

Waist beads are a part of many different indigenous cultures

[@lucariobtuse395]

Indeed.

[@Shealainthecity]

I seen some before and omg she looked great in them.

[@WorkFromHomeAfrica]

Marine spirits on fleek!

[@KingofgraceSARA]

Exactly!

[@warpnin3]

"the African culture" Which country exactly?

[@yolandawalton749]

You didn't explain the meaning of the beads

[@KingofgraceSARA]

Don't you wonder why?

[@stashar.4535]

If I had a cute little defined waist I would have a closet full of these ❤ Imma have to go to the store and make myself a fat girl version of these in my favorite color 🤦🏿‍♀️😂

[@amariewalenda3801]

Yessss they are beautiful I love mine, and it does help loose weight 💖💕🗽👍

[@crys2872]

Really does!! I’m more conscious of my eating because of them, they also give you motivation

[@olorato9563]

In my country, waist beads are used in babies to "define their waists"

[@souraha]

It’s the same way in my home

[@olorato9563]

Not define per say but separate the lower and upper body

[@olorato9563]

I don't know how to word it correctly... Forgive me

[@virtuous_women_ofgod]

From the little i know, one of many reasons behind waist beads is that it is worn for fertility or contraception

[@TheCraftsWOMBman]

Beautiful 🖤

[@MegaSlimgoody1]

Beautiful store

[@NavyLady82]

Do you cut them off for pregnancy?

[@mrs.tiffiniporter5244]

No. They will roll up as the baby grows.

[@patricerenee1717]

No they just roll up like another comment here. I’m in NYC been wearing waist beads almost 15 years. Some been on me that long while others are new. So many meanings tho. When I was pregnant it just laid on top and rolled down as I lost weight.

[@benjerry8987]

I want to know how to take them off at night or do we sleep in these waist beads?...

[@nanaabaafriyie2453]

You sleep in them. Actually you never take them off untill you've outgrown them

[@user-sc4jt8ol2h]

Hi ...does anyone can help me how to get ritual bracelt for protection ...

[@petricedobson7836]

Love it

[@cuteypieolivia]

Love it live as african is spectacular

[@motherofsolomon6619]

I want some, but I have a big belly... Can I still wear them (honest question)?

[@yasXcore]

Of course! It's for everyone, just ensure you have it at a comfortable length. It can track weightloss if that is your desired result x

[@motherofsolomon6619]

@@yasXcore thank you for answering so kindly😊. Salaamah, Sister🌺.

[@dekeylamoore4764]

I want some waist beads

[@karmaluvandlight]

The purpose for most is to remind us to hold our breath.. in fear we will pop them in return your stomach flattens ..i do breathe exercises that has help me lose inches off my belly that's why i know the root or meaning..amongst many other meanings ..

[@shelialatham1622]

How much are the beads?

[@the4cqueen148]

I wish i had a waistline to put them on.😃😃😃😃

[@mssugamoma]

Mine would be lost underneath a roll or 2 🥴

[@nymeria1160]

You don't need a particular waistline to wear them women of all sizes & shapes wear them so don't let that stop you. 💗

[@gabbiegabbie1257]

I need to know if my ancestry goes back to these beautiful habits that exhibit such grace. I want my beads and royal elegance.

[@Desnacia]

Is there a certain color that a girl should wear if she has not become a woman yet?

[@katherina6843]

no[pe

[@KingofgraceSARA]

Don't tell me you're going to put them on your child and bind your child to demons. We truly perish for lack of knowledge.

[@Desnacia]

@@KingofgraceSARA do you know God? If so... why are you so scared of demons? Is God not stronger than a so called demon? It’s the hypocrisy for me.

[@tranquility9325]

@@Desnacia exactly

[@taylorlashae9894]

@@Desnacia thank you!

[@CopperHueCollectionsChippewa]

Disappointing that you never stated what the meaning it is. However I’d ask a indigenous woman to Turtle Island I do not wear waist beads nor do I make or sell them although they are absolutely pretty. I’ve feel like it’s a disrespect to African women, mostly because we’re not African-American we are indigenous to Turtle Island.

[@KingofgraceSARA]

If they told you the truth, you would not want them.

[@i3lood4pride26]

Why do you want to be Native Americans come to African videos of you're not African go back to your Native American videos Turtle Island I swear mentally ill have found a safe haven

[@tahiraj.2456]

I am from Jamaican parentage. My mother got me waist beads as a very young girl and told me it was only for my husband to see. It would keep him with me. When he past away I removed them.

[@KingofgraceSARA]

She put them on you as a child... interesting.

[@kaidastyles7445]

Beautiful 😍😍😍 where is this store

[@lazarussamdi192]

Very private female thing and could be laced with many other highly secret things true African women would never disclose. Maybe between their closest female relatives.

[@christinaiam1]

For weight control too ...y’all forgetting that ! The beds help you from over indulging in food it gets tight and uncomfortable if you have eaten too much smh this vid only hit the surface

[@rosarobinson5866]

I want some around my waist they look so pretty... But my stomach ain't built so slim 😭😂

[@lilbusterful]

Can I wear them if I have a belly and also where is this store

[@kofiadusah4670]

Nice one, I lyk bead's