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, Although trading and going to raves is not necessary to make Kandi. Kandi bracelets are traditionally handcrafted, and some view store-bought kandi bracelets as diminishing their meaning.[1] They are frequently made with rainbow or lettered beads.[2]
Trading kandi is an important element of kandi culture, and is often done to memorialize a special moment shared with someone or a connection formed. It can be considered rude to trade away kandi bracelets received through a trade because it shows that the bond was broken.
"Kandi kids" is a term for those in the kandi trading subculture.[3] [4] [5]
The term 'kandi' may come from the phrase 'candy necklace'; when pronounced out loud, kandi and candy sound the same.[6]
Kandi bracelets may have evolved out of friendship bracelets;[7] friendship bracelets are often handmade and exchanged to commemorate a friendship, like kandi bracelets. The idea that they started as a drug symbol is likely a myth based on the prevalence of club drugs at raves.
Kandi bracelets kept on the right arm are available to trade, while those on the left arm are not.[8] [9]
The PLUR handshake is done when exchanging kandi bracelets, with each element of the acronym represented by a step.[10] [11] Sometimes, the words are said as the gestures are done:[12]
Often, the PLUR handshake is followed by a hug.[13]
Kandi bracelets have kandi-specific terms to describe them.
There are various common terms regarding the types of kandi you are able to make, they are as follows.
Stitch: An umbrella term regarding the specific types of kandi you are able to create. The two most common stitches are Multistitch, and Peyote stitch (even and odd). Most Kandi projects are based on these stitches in some way.
Cuff: Cuffs are any form of kandi bracelet that uses multiple layers. These can be Flat Panels, X bases or 3D cuffs