Q: What is the meaning, purpose, history, and/ or significance of waist beads?
A: Briefly the art of adorning oneself with waist beads is an age old African tradition dating back to the 15th century. Some believe that the practice started in Ancient Egypt others believe it started in West Africa. Different regions in Africa wear waist beads for various reasons during different stages in ones life. The reasons range from femininity, sensuality, fertility, weight management/ body shaping, status symbol, healing, protection, rights of passage, intimacy/ seduction, etc.
Q: Why do women wear waist beads today?
A: In today's modern times women wear waist beads for a lot of the traditional reasons stated above especially femininity, healing, protection, weight management, and sensuality. Some women wear them solely for decorative adornment purposes. Others wear them because they are a confidence booster, they love the way they look and how wearing waist beads makes them feel. Traditionally waist beads were worn under clothing hidden from site only for a woman's husband to see. Now some women choose to show them on the bare stomach, and others wear them over clothing.
Q: Do the different colors have meanings?
A: Yes. See color meanings.
Q: Do the crystal beads/ gemstones have meanings?
A: Yes. See crystal directory.
Q: How do waist beads help with weight lost/ management?
A: Waist beads are an excellent tool to monitor your weight/ size. If your waist beads begin to get tighter, roll up, or even pop you know that you are getting bigger. As you waist beads begin to fall lower and lower you know that you are loosing weight. This is why a lot of women really like waist beads as a simple tool to use during their weight lost journey, or just as a size monitor.
Q: How long is the processing and shipping time?
A: Due to the handmade and intricate nature of the product the processing times are as follows.
Processing time:
7-14 business days (traditional & ready made)
7-21 business days (made to order)
Up to 28 business days (custom orders)
Shipping tine (USPS First Class):
USA - 1-3 business days
Canada - 7-21 business days
International- 7-21 business days
Q: How do I measure myself for waist beads?
A: Use a tape measure to measure the spot in inches you would like your waist beads to lay between your waist and high hip.
See how to measure:
Q: How do I tie on my waist beads?
A: See how to tie:
Q: Can I wear waist beads while pregnant/ how do I measure while pregnant ?
A: Yes. When measuring for waist beads while pregnant you can either measure below your baby bump, across your navel, or slightly above the navel. It is a personal preference, if you measure your across your baby bump (navel) or above as your belly grows your waist beads will slide up higher little by little.
Q: Can babies, toddlers, and young girls wear waist beads?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I properly care for my waist beads?
A: See care instructions
Q: Can I bathe in my waist beads?
A: Yes you can bathe in the traditional African waist beads, as well as the majority of the made to order styles. See care instructions
Q: Ho do I cleanse and set intentions with my waist beads?