A belly chain or waist chain is the popular English term for the Indian jewelry called kamarband. The belly chain is a type of body jewelry worn around the waist. Some belly chains attach to a navel piercing; these are also called “pierced belly chains”.
What does wearing a belly chain mean?
They’re also referred to as belly beads, waistline beads, or beaded waist chains. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.
Are belly chains in style?
One of the biggest trends is the resurgence of early 2000s jewelry styles, and along with anklets and summer camp jewelry, belly and body chains are making a comeback.
What cultures use belly chains?
Belly chains are common among women in India. In some regions waist chains are common among men as well. In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, every newborn receives a waist chain as a cultural pact. Namboothri men generally wear waist strings even as adults.
Why do ladies wear waist chain?
Many use it to control weight gain and shrink their waist. It is also used to create a slimmer appearance.
Are waist beads Indian?
The history of Indian waist band is certainly long and enduring. The patka or kamarband was considered high and one of the finest and sumptuous embellishment through out the Indian history. The ornamental waist bands worn by both male and female are called Kamarband while the fabric ones are referred to as Patka.
Why do African ladies wear waist beads?
Waist beads are traditional accessories made from seeds, glass beads or crystal stones worn around the waist. Waist beads have been worn by African women as a symbol of femininity and prosperity for centuries and it is believed to have been in existence since the 15th century. Waist beads are popular across Africa.
Why do Nigerian ladies wear waist beads?
In Hindu belief, there is a phenomenon known as chakra energy. Chakra energy in waist beads is believed to help the woman wearing them stay aligned and help with the flow of life-sustaining energy. Most young women (and few men) in Nigeria wear waist beads as a fashion accessory.
What is the spiritual meaning of waist beads?
Waist beads hold deep cultural significance peculiar to the different African societies. Worn by women or sometimes men, these beads are viewed as a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.
Are belly chains in Style 2021?
From crop tops to pant suits, belly chains seem to be the perfect accessory to finish the looks. With baggy jeans on the rise, this look seems like a foolproof way to test-drive the belly chain. Paired with a crop top and a long cardigan, this feels very on-trend for 2021.
Where do you wear belly chains?
Wearing a belly chain is pretty simple. You simply wrap it around your waist and clasp the metal clasp. It’s similar to putting on a necklace. The key to your look is to make sure you pair your belly chain with the right outfit.
How do you wear a belly necklace?
Visit a jewellery store where you get a variety of waist chains.
Choose the one that suits your taste. Make sure that the waist chain is at least two inches bigger than the measure of your waist (make sure that you have taken measurement of your waist).Wrap it around your waist and attach the clasp.
Can you shower with waist beads?
It is perfectly fine to bathe, shower, swim, exercise, and have sex in traditional African waist beads strung on cotton string. Once tied on securely they become an intimate extension of you, and you do everything in them. Just be mindful not to yank on them while pulling your pants down to use the bathroom.
What do waist bead colors mean?
Color meanings
Blue: healing, harmony, insight, truth. Brown: earth, stability. Green: prosperity, fertility, abundance, hope, healing. Purple: spirituality, wisdom, royalty. Red: vitality, passion, bravery, confidence.
Is it OK to wear waist beads?
Waist beads are traditionally worn low and loosely along the lower stomach area. However, some people choose to wear them higher on their waist. You can wear as few or as many waist beads as you feel comfortable in.
Can you wear waist beads if you aren’t African?
You do not have to be African to wear waist beads, nor do you have to wear waist beads for its traditional purposes. We want to celebrate the historical culture of African waist beads while giving a greater audience the chance to learn about its origins, adopt this form of body adornment, and make it their own!
What is the point of a body chain?
Body chains are one of the newest jewelry options on the market today and are becoming regular accessories for evening engagements, parties, clubs… anytime you just want to look cool. A body chain is styled to be both delicate and noticeable and to accessorize any outfit when it is added to the mix.
