History of Waist Beads

Waist beads serve as a cultural symbol among various tribes in historic Africa. They can be traced back to the ancient lands of Egypt, in Northern Africa, where they were adorned by women of the aristocracy, and emphasized their beauty. Yoruba and Igbo tribes of Nigeria, also have waist beads woven into their history. 

Women and girls across Africa have worn waist beads for a number of different reasons. Babies were typically given waist beads during naming ceremonies, and remained to track their growth during adolescent years. Mothers would embellish the hips of their daughters to serve as rites of passage, as they embark on their journey to womanhood. Each time a woman inherited a new waist bead, it symbolized a healthy life, growth, and maturity. Waist beads are also symbols of femininity, sensuality, manifestation, spirituality, fertility, and protection. Occasionally, some women would show their waist beads to only their mate, while others may choose to wear them openly. 

In both traditional and modern times, women have worn waist beads to track weight loss and weight gain. Expecting mothers have also used them to track their growing bump. Similar to tradition, women of all shapes and sizes adorn their bodies with waist beads to cultivate and conjure positive self images, encompassed by self confidence, self love, and to fully embrace their divine femininity. Waist beads are an intimate and personal journey for a woman; not to be confused with trends or purely for fashion. It is a journey of self discovery, not dependent upon society's definition of beauty. 

Each strand of waist bead and anklet are delicately hand crafted by Xan, with the spirit of positivity and love. All items are gently cleansed with Florida Water, to ensure resonating quality, rich color, and the preservation of purity and energy.