ABOUT WAIST BEADS
History
The history of waist beads began in ancient times since the 15th centuries. The tradition of wearing them spread to several African countries. However many believe waist beads originated in Ancient Egypt when they were known as “girdle.” African waist beads were made popular by the women in Yoruba tribe of West Africa.
Tradition
Waist beads have been worn for many traditional purposes in African cultures. For example, some women in Ghana wear waist beads to symbolize a sign of wealth, femininity, and spiritual well-being. Some African women wear them as a rite of passage in some cultures. Waist beads can be used as an instrument tool for one’s healing and spiritual journey. Traditions of wearing waist beads vary from tribe to tribe. Some examples include: encouraging self-love, building inner confidence, appreciation for the beauty of a woman, motherhood and womanhood, child birth, protection, puberty, spiritual awakening, fertility, sexuality, wealth status, strength, love and marriage. Some women use the beads to represent a young woman's purity and righteousness. Where you place the beads on your body can be used traditionally to symbolize different meanings. They can be used to shape the waist by practicing of wearing multiple strands over time. This traditional belief is that the waist beads can help keep the waist small and accentuate a woman’s natural curves. Another traditional belief is that waist beads have the power to attract and evoke deep emotional responses from others. Traditionally, waist beads are meant to be worn until they break or fall off. Traditional beads are typically tied on to your body and made with string.
Fashion
Waist beads are traditionally worn under clothing however waist beads can be worn visibly for fashion. Some women wear them as an accessory. Women also where them visibly if they are going to be wearing something that reveals their waistline like a bikini or a crop top.
Health
My Waist Beads are made with positive intention which include health benefits. They can be used to monitor your weight as you begin or continue your healthy lifestyle. Waist beads serve as a monitor so you are aware of your progress in health, fitness or diet. Waist beads can be a tool for motivation for women who desire a physical change. Some women have admitted that wearing waist beads encouraged them to start living a more healthier life.
Healing
You can have a waist bead with your own personal design that serves a purpose in healing. Waist beads have the ability to help improve your self confidence, recover from trauma or abuse, uplift your self esteem, and the perception of your self worth which can overall have a positive effect on your mental health. Some waist beads can be used for healing through prayer, meditation, and oil infused in the creation. Each color in your bead design can be associated with a specific chakra energy within your body to help you as you start healing.
Sex
Waist beads can be worn to enhance the sexual experiences between a romantic partner. Wearing waist beads during sexual intercourse can create a pleasurable experience and excite your lover. Some women wear waist beads to excite their partner with different adornments and charm. Romantic partners can have a heightened physical and sexual attraction when one of the partners is wearing waist beads. This allows a deeper connection.
Waist Training
Women often associate waist beads as a tool for body shaping. My Waist Beads can serve as a natural waist trainer. The beads can be used for monitoring your weight, enhancing your curves, shifting your weight gain from your waist to your lower body and also weight management. Waist beads assist with helping women develop a more natural curvy figure. Waist beads also can be worn to help women with maintaining their curvy figure and shape.
Weight loss and Weight gain
Waist beads can be used as a motivational tool to lose weight but wearing waist beads will not make you lose weight or gain weight. If you want to change your body and you need waist beads to help assist then you must incorporate a diet or workout plan. Waist beads can be used to help monitor your weight loss by tracking your progress. The beads roll up the waist with weight gain. If they become too tight and they have not broken, it can cause discomfort. If there is any discomfort while wearing waist beads it is recommended to remove them by cutting them off. As weight loss continues the beads will fall lower on your waist or they may fall completely off. You can add more beads as your body continues to develop and place them in certain areas that can further assist you on your body journey.
This strand of jewelry serves for all women of any type, shape and size. The trend of waist beads has become modernized but the purpose of waist beads continues to promote women empowerment!
My Story
My African Waist Beads was created by an African American woman named Malon Mahotiere. Malon was born in Conakry, Guinea located on the coast of West Africa . Her birth mother, Rahmatoullahy Barry Mahotiere was also born in Conakry. Waist beads were placed on Malon Mahotiere’s body by her mother when she was a baby. In some African cultures it is part of tradition after giving birth to a girl to place waist beads on them for protection. Unfortunately both parents of Malon passed away in a car accident when she was 1 year old. The only survivors were her and her 2 brothers. Malon continued wearing those waist beads from her mother until they were removed. Malon was given waist beads by her mothers friend from Liberia when she turned 10 years old. She explained the purpose behind the beads and what they represent. She also expressed how Malon’s mother loved waist beads and she loved to wear them. Malon was the proper age for young girls to learn about womanhood before reaching puberty. Malon started to wear beads again on her body at the age of 15 until she decided to start making her own. At age 16 Malon began creating her own waist beads and started selling them to her friends in High School. Malon believes her waist beads are a part of who she is. A new journey of life started for her after wearing waist beads. Each bead on her body has a specific purpose or represents a significant moment in her life. Malon believes her waist beads protect her from a lot of things in life. They have also helped with healing from trauma and grief from losing her parents. Malon has been wearing and creating waist beads for over 10 years. Traditionally, the person who creates waist beads for others are to be considered spiritual leaders. Malon believes her mother’s spiritual guide eventually led her to start this business. Her passion to promote this exotic jewelry comes from a spiritual connection she has with her mother. Malon choses to share this connection by helping other women feel beautiful and empowered and encouraging them to live a happier, healthier, healed life. Malon enjoys being able to help transform women with waist beads by changing their hearts, minds, body and spirit. Malon also appreciates the trust and support of women and men who ask for her assistance when it comes to wearing waist beads
