Two people wearing kandi bracelets on both of their arms
A kandi bracelet is a type of bracelet made usually out of pony beads, and is a popular type of attire in scene or rave culture, particularly kandi culture. Kandi bracelets are traditionally handcrafted, and some view store-bought kandi bracelets as diminishing their meaning of 'unity'.[1] They are frequently made with rainbow or lettered beads.[2]
"Kandi kids" is a term for those in the kandi trading subculture.[3][4]
History
The term 'kandi' may come from the phrase 'candy necklace'; when pronounced out loud, kandi and candy sound the same.[5]
Kandi bracelets may have evolved out of friendship bracelets;[6] friendship bracelets are often handmade and exchanged to commemorate a friendship, like kandi bracelets.[1]
PLUR and trading
The PLUR handshake is done when exchanging kandi bracelets, with each element of the acronym represented by a step.[7][8][9] Kandi bracelets kept on the right arm are available to trade, while those on the left arm are not.[10][7] Sometimes, the words are said as the gestures are done:[11]
"Peace": A peace sign is made, and the two fingertips are each touched to each other.
"Love": Half of a hand heart is made by each party, with the two combining to form a single heart.
"Unity": Hands are clasped together, as in a high five.
"Respect": Fingers are clasped together. Kandi bracelets are, one at a time, moved to the other party's hand, using the free arm.
Often, the PLUR handshake is followed by a hug.[12]
Terminology
Kandi bracelets have kandi-specific terms to describe them.[3]Stitch is an umbrella term regarding the specific types of kandi; the three most common stitches are multistitch (even tubular peyote stitch), flat peyote stitch (even and odd), and x base.[3]Cuffs are any form of kandi bracelet that uses multiple rows of beads.[3]
