Kandi Rave Beads - History of PLUR

Rave Kandi Beads

Kandi is a name used among ravers for bracelets made of bright, plastic beads that usually have a word or phrase spelled out on them. While the beads can be bought at stores like AC Moore and etsy, the bracelets themselves are not something you can buy. (They shouldn't be anyways). This is because each bracelet is handmade by an individual and usually traded or gifted to someone else at a rave. The meaning behind PLUR is really lost if it was store bought. When someone tells you they sent hours making a cuff for you, it means more than I bought this cuff at a stand or on etsy for you. 

History of Rave Bracelets

Multiple theories on how the bracelet trading craze started. One is that drug dealers wore them to stand out in the crowd. The other is a group of ravers wanted to share love and passion with others. Maybe a mix of the both has made the scene is what it is today? 

Either way, kandi bracelets are a symbol of the culture and a staple today.  Kandi bracelets are worn by a large amount of ravers and the relationship with being drug-related has faded. These bracelets are now seen as a way for ravers to connect and symbolize unity among the rave community. Ravers exchange the gifted made bracelets with a handshake called PLUR or PLURR as some of the more senior ravers will call it. 

What is PLUR??

The handshake symbolizes peace, love, unity, and respect (or, PLUR) through hand gestures. It goes as follows: the two people make peace signs and touch them (peace), each person forms their hand into half a heart and then are joined (love), then the two touch their hands in a gesture resembling a stop signal (unity), then they intertwine their fingers the way you would as if you’re praying (respect), and finally, without releasing their grip, the other hand is used to move the bracelet from your wrist to theirs, and vice versa. Sometimes the two exchange a hug afterwards. Others add an R on it for responsibility, we are all responsible for looking out for one another. This has been a foundation for the rave scene where drugs and other substances are often used. 

PLUR Beads made by Kandi Beads

How is kandi today? 

Today kandi is still traded, although it has become a more of an art form and hobby for some. With terms like kandi kids or Kandi gods. These are artists that have taken the kandi game to the next level. It's no longer just bracelets, ravers are getting crafty and making cuffs, necklaces, headbands, masks and even belts.You can usually find these kandi artists at bigger festivals and sometimes they hold events to trade kandi at inside the festival. 

We don't think kandi is going anywhere, but we do see it going more green. We have started using recycled material for beads we make here at kandi beads and will be going towards a more sustainable future. We hope you find the kandi supplies you need for your next event or craft.  

Resources:

History of kandi