In Southern Africa, beadwork has always been more than decoration, it has been a language of colour. A Long time ago, before all this technology, smartphones and social media, people used bead colours and patterns to express emotions, identity, and personal messages. In many ways, beads were the original “status updates,” communicating silently but clearly.
Different communities across the region share similar interpretations of bead colours:
- Red – Love, passion, sacrifice, strong emotion
- White – Purity, spirituality, new beginnings
- Black – Maturity, stability, life’s challenges
- Blue – Loyalty, faithfulness, long-term commitment
- Yellow – Wealth, fertility, positivity
- Green – Growth, health, harmony
- Pink – Affection, gentleness, a soft heart
- Brown – Earth, grounding, ancestry
Crafters combined these colours into patterns to form messages understood by those familiar with the symbolism. A young woman might use beadwork to express affection, uncertainty, or acceptance, just as someone today might use emojis, stories, or profile updates to signal emotions or intentions.
In many ways, bead colours were the original emojis.
A bold black pattern might communicate strength during hardship.
A colourful mix of pink and yellow could express joy or love.
Blue could represent loyalty or commitment to a partner.
Just like modern profiles reveal moods, beliefs, and identity, beadwork offered a visual way to communicate without speaking.
Today, bead colour symbolism continues to influence contemporary jewellery. Many people choose bead colours that reveal or reflect their personality, goals, or the message they wish to carry with them. Others wear them to honour ancestral traditions or celebrate cultural pride.
Whether traditional or modern, bead colours still speak, offering a beautiful, meaningful connection between past and present.
Add comment
Comments