The belly chains are also a symbol of fertility and have been used by most people to increase women’s fertility, especially when trying to convince. For other women, the belly chain is worn to signify a woman’s marital status, often a sign that a woman is of marriage age or that they could finally have suitors.
What is a belly chain?
The belly chain refers to a type of body jewelry that is worn around your waist. Some of the belly chains have a feature that allows for their attachment to the navel piercing, and in such cases, the belly chains are known as the pierced belly chains.
Why are belly chains used in detention centers?
They are used above all when detainees are to be restrained over a longer period of time, for example during transport or at court hearings. Belly chains are used because there still remains a relatively large freedom of movement to the detainee when their hands are cuffed in front of the body.
What is a martin link belly chain used for?
For high security transports, the martin link belly chain can be used with security handcuff covers such as the C & S Security Black Box or the CTS Thompson Blue Box. These are hard plastic boxes with a metallic slider and are placed over the handcuffs so that the key holes are hidden by the box.
What is the purpose of a waist chain?
For cultural reasons, waist chains became a fashion accessory for women and men in many parts of the world. A U.S. patent was issued for using a waist chain as a continuous monitoring device to facilitate weight loss, an item which is available in the market. ^ Schaefer, Richard T. (2008-03-20).
What is a belly chain used for?
A belly chain (also known as a waist chain or Martin chain) is a physical restraint worn by prisoners, consisting of a chain around the waist, to which the prisoner's hands may be chained or cuffed. Sometimes the ankles are also connected by means of longer chains.
Why do girls wear waist beads?
Some are worn to provide protection for the mother and growing baby. Some women wear waist beads to keep track of their weight. Due to the fact that waist beads don't stretch, you can use it to gauge the size of your waist. When you gain weight, the beads will sit higher on the waist or feel tight.
Why do Indians wear belly chains?
Belly chain ornaments are a part of religious functions to show prosperity originating in India almost 4000 years back. Apart from the showoff purposes, there were many other reasons for wearing waist belts, some of them are- birth control, weight loss, beauty, and sensuality.
What is the meaning of wearing waist chain?
Wiktionary. waist chainnoun. An ornamental chain worn around the waist; seen by some as a symbol of slavery.
What does the Bible say about waist beads?
What do you expect the Bible to say about African waist beads? Absolutely nothing. Waist beads have been used by African women even before Christ and they have existed for more than 20 centuries and counting.
What does it mean when one of your waist beads break?
If the beads are worn as part of spiritual or religious practice, then it could also mean that the person is experiencing a crisis of faith. There is no definitive interpretation for this, so it's best to talk to a trusted friend or spiritual advisor to get their take on what it means when your waist beads break.
Are waist chains Indian or African?
The use of waist chains can be traced back to 4000 years or more originating in the Indian Subcontinent. Historically, waist chains have been used in India, by men and women, as ornaments and as part of religious ceremonies, as accessories and to show affluence.
Why do girls wear Aranjanam?
The primary purpose is to measure the healthy growth of an infant by the increase of the waistline. Aranjanam can also fasten the cloth on the waist, similar to women using it to secure the folds of a sari. It is possible that some parents also believe that it will safeguard against evil spirits.
Are belly chains in style?
One of the biggest trends is the resurgence of early 2000s jewelry styles, and along with anklets and summer camp jewelry, belly and body chains are making a comeback.
Are you supposed to show your waist beads?
They're everywhere, but “they're not for show,” said Bowden, owner of Creative Waist Beads by Journey Armon (her children's names) in Oakland. “In African tradition, waist beads are meant to be worn under clothing,” she said. “They're for you. It's personal.
What is the purpose of a belly chain?
When using such a belly chain to restrain high-risk inmates , the detainee can also be shackled with their arms crossed so that the left wrist is placed in the cuff on the right side of their waist and vice versa. This high-security use reminds of a straitjacket.
What is a belly chain?
A belly chain (also known as a waist chain or Martin chain) is a physical restraint worn by prisoners, consisting of a chain around the waist, to which the prisoner's hands may be chained or cuffed. Sometimes the ankles are also connected by means ...
Why are belly chains used in prison?
Belly chains are used because there still remains a relatively large freedom of movement to the detainee when their hands are cuffed in front of the body. As an alternative, the hands could be cuffed behind the detainee's back, but this will soon inflict discomfort and even pain when being handcuffed like this for a longer period of time. Therefore, as a more gentle but almost equally secure alternative to cuffing the detainee's hands behind their back, the hands are cuffed to a belly chain and thus shackled to the detainee's waist.
What is the belt used for in prison?
Leather or nylon belts are often used instead of belly chains. These restraint belts have a metal ring on the front, through which the handcuffs are plugged and then put on the detainee's wrists. The belt is then placed around the detainee's waist and secured with a buckle; some models can also be locked with a padlock.
What is the hand cuff on a detainee?
Therefore, as a more gentle but almost equally secure alternative to cuffing the detainee's hands behind their back, the hands are cuffed to a belly chain and thus shackled to the detainee's waist.
Can you remove a belly chain?
The loose end of the belly chain can be secured with a snap hook or a padlock behind the detainee's back. As in this constellation the belly chain cannot be removed unless the handcuffs have been removed first, this type of belly chain does not necessarily need a padlock for fixing.

Overview
A belly chain or waist chain is the popular English term for the Indian jewelry called kamarband. The belly chain is a type of body jewelry worn around the waist. Some belly chains attach to a navel piercing; these are also called "pierced belly chains". They are often made of silver or gold. Sometimes a thread is used around the waist instead of a chain. The chain may be delicate and thin, or hea…
History
The use of waist chains can be traced back to 4000 years or more originating in the Indian Subcontinent. Historically, waist chains have been used in India, by men and women, as ornaments and as part of religious ceremonies, as accessories and to show affluence.
Many ancient sculptures and paintings from locations in India, dating back to t…
Contemporary practice and trends
Belly chains are common among women in India. In some regions waist chains are common among men as well. In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, every newborn receives a waist chain as a cultural pact.
Namboothri men generally wear waist strings even as adults. In some aristocratic families, Namboothiri men wore a flattened triple gold string aroun…
Medical application
A U.S. patent was issued for using a waist chain as a continuous monitoring device to facilitate weight loss, an item which is available in the market.
See also
• Chatelaine (chain)
• Necklace
• Waist cincher
External links
• Importance of belly chain for belly dancers