By Sandra J. Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler®

Beads have been around for 75,000 years.  The fact that they have holes means that they can be strung together on a variety of materials.  They come in a variety of shapes some of which are easily fingered, twirled and/or slid.  Given their longevity and physical properties, it is not surprising that indigenous cultures have used beads for so many purposes.   What is so interesting about beads is that various pockets of civilization scattered throughout the world with no avenues of communication have all used beads in a variety of ways.

It is believed the original beads were first used as symbols.  I can picture primitive cultures collecting bird feathers for beads to simulate flight.  Beads have been used to symbolize people, places and things - both temporal and spiritual. They have been used as tokens of affection and as talismans to ward off evil or to bring good luck.

On a more practical level, they have been used for counting, to seal contracts, as currency and as trade goods.  They have found their way into every room of the house from hot pads in the kitchen to drapery rod ends in the living room.  They have been used as window and door curtains.   They ride in some cars as relaxing car seat covers and make up inexpensive foot massagers.  

Beads have their playful side as toys for both children and birds.  And of course, they have their beautiful side as personal adornments.  Beads have been worn all over the body: as a crown on your head, across your forehead, around your neck, fingers, toes, waist, wrist and ankle.  They make up a purse or fasten it.  They dangle from drawstrings and zippers.  They are used to decorate key rings and phone lariats. 

But my favorite bead use is as a socializer.  Whole families sit around the kitchen table making gifts for relatives.  As an adult,  I get together with my friends to bead.  Bead stores have beading circles.  Women sit and talk and bead.  No kids, no mates, no distractions.  Just women talking and beading.  It's the equivalent of the old quilting circles and it suits me just fine.