In a Google search the Britannica Dictionary defines bead: a small, usually round piece of glass, wood, stone, etc., that has a hole through its center and that is put on a string with other similar pieces and worn as jewelry or that is sewn onto clothing.
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The bead sits in the hall of fashion and culture. And there isn’t anything much anyone can do to change that. First and foremost, people are who they are by culture. And, in my opinion, if someone tries to convert or divert people away from their culture, they will be chipping away at their identity, forcing them to become who they are not.
Sometimes there is concern about the coping skills of people who travel to other lands, where they are faced with different cultures. As difficult as this may seem, the solution is for travelers to respect the laws of the lands they are visiting or have made their new home. There is a saying which goes, When you go to Rome you do as the Romans do. Adhering to the customs and practices of other lands doesn’t mean that people should abandon their own culture. They can still practice their culture at home. Eat the foods that they are used to, wear the garments that they are accustomed to and more. Also, the communities in which they live will hold events at various times in a given year to showcase the cultures of many lands.
What are waist beads?
As usual I turned to Google for help to gather the definition for waist beads. And according to Healthline.com: Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that consist of small glass beads on a string or wire worn around the waist or hips. They come in different colors and shapes and may also include decorative stones, crystals, or charms. Waist beads have been worn for centuries by women in many West African cultures.
Let me also add that an African woman once told me that waist beads are used in some African cultures to give the ladies a beautiful shape. She also mentioned that her husband loves waist beads. And, under no circumstances should a female show her waist beads to anyone. It should only be seen by her husband in the confines of their bedroom. I was also told that some ladies attach sanitary napkins to waist beads which function just like a sanitary belt. Today with all the upgrades in feminine products I doubt if the sanitary belt is still relevant.
By the definition and cultural aspect of waist beads, it seems to be a great commodity. Having been enlightened about the role they play in culture doesn’t deter me from wearing it as a fashion piece. I get excited like a kid in a candy store whenever I see beads, and the accessories that are made from them. The array of beautiful colors are arresting and if I could, I would buy the same style necklace or bracelet in all the colors that are available.
One of my granddaughters, a teenager, got to experience my behavior at a beauty supply store when I saw some waist beads on display. “Waist beads”, I shouted excitedly. I then shared with her that I used to wear waist beads. “Grandma!” she said aloud, laughing. “I can’t believe you wore waist beads”. “Yes, I sure did”, I said, laughing. Whatever definition she had in her mind about waist beads had really tickled her. Not in a million years would she have imagined or expected that I, her Grandma, knew about waist beads let alone wearing it. I further told her that I was young, chic and hip too just like the youngsters of today. I also told her that one of my friends had given me waist beads on her return from a trip to Ethiopia.
My granddaughter was so amused about me owning and wearing waist beads. As soon as we returned home she told her sister that I used to wear waist beads. The news hit her sister hard, she doubled over laughing, and almost fell from the chair she was seated on. Sometimes the youngsters of today behave as if Grandmas were not children and teenagers. Hello youngsters, we weren’t born adults. So here’s to putting notice to gen alpha, gen x, gen y, gen z, millennials, whatever the labels are. Please don’t underestimate the moves of elders. Don’t even try to pull wool over a Baby Boomer’s eyes because you will be caught. Baby Boomers know about all the tricks you are capable of playing. Don’t test the wisdom of Baby Boomers because we have been there and done that. And we are watching you.
Tah-tah! The future is built on the past.
Grace Dunkley-Asphall, Copyright © 2024
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