Monday, October 16, 2006

submission-hip beads

HIP BEADS

Beads on the waist are becoming modish.

As we all know, culture has had a big impact in the world of fashion. Before we know it, here comes another! Did you know people wear beads around their waist? Wait a minute. Before we go there, what’s the first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word “beads”? Jewellery right? You’re right. (Pins, beaded bracelets, purses) Beads have been around for a long, long time, and have been used in trade as a form of money and wealth for thousands of years. Many countries have developed their own distinctive styles, and even wore beads as part of their religious beliefs.
Body Beauty
So if beads are worn on other parts of the body, then why not the waist? Well, Africans do wear beads around the waist; they put beads on a newborn baby girl to differentiate the women from the men. They believe that beads shape the body, adding extra beauty and expressing culture. If you ask most Ghanaians why they wear beads, most may refer you to the Bible. Here’s the most common verse in Matthew, chapter 13:45-46: “Again, the kingdom f heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” This shows how valuable beads are. African men respect women with beads around the waist; they think it stands out, and find it very sexy and attractive.
Coping Culture
Beads come in different sizes and colors. Imagine a nude body with colored beads on the waist. Now this is fashion for the bare body and should be worn proudly. Many cultural groups in Ghana believes that before a man asks a woman’s hand in marriage, beads must be one of the gifts given to her by the men in the process of asking for her permission. Many other cultures have begun wearing them too (Indians, Spanish, and even the South Americans to name a few) not just in African culture. Similarly, nose piercing, which is part of Indian culture, is now being practiced by others as fashion. Wearing beads on the waistline is slowly becoming the latest in fashion because they are stunningly sophisticated. There are no disadvantages; they stay on the waist until you’re ready to cut them off. It has no effect on the style of your dressing; they could be worn over your underwear. I’m sure having beads on the waist will eventually be acknowledged for fashion in the world, because it is wearable and appealing to both men and women.

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