Welcome to the vibrant world of music festivals and raves, a completely unique culture full of fun traditions. Many first-time festival attendees are surprised by the common knowledge and participation in such rituals. Most are completely unaware of these traditions before their first music festival or rave. One such tradition among rave-goers and music festival enthusiasts is the wearing of Kandi bracelets.
These colorful bead bracelets not only add a splash of personality to any music festival outfit but also carry deep meaning and promote a sense of community. The exchange of Kandi bracelets is a meaningful connection and a common occurrence among ravers.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the history and significance of Kandi bracelets, and all things to know about wearing Kandi bracelets. We’ll also explain how to exchange Kandi bracelets the right way, so you’ll know exactly what to do the next time someone wants to trade Kandi. After reading you’ll have all the information you need to embrace this unique tradition within rave culture.
What Are the Bead Bracelets That People Wear to Raves?
If you’ve ever attended a rave or music festival, you’ve likely noticed attendees sporting an armful of colorful bead bracelets on both arms. These aren’t just ordinary rave accessories that make their music festival outfit more eccentric. LED bags or LED bucket hats are enough to do that.
The bead bracelets that people wear to raves are known as Kandi bracelets. Made from a variety of beads (usually pony beads), including plastic, glass, and glow-in-the-dark varieties, these bead bracelets are a long-time tradition of music festival attendees. Typically Kandi bracelets are handmade and traded among festival-goers.
What Are Kandi Bracelets?
Kandi bracelets, usually called “Kandi,” are bead bracelets typically traded using the PLUR handshake at music festivals or raves. They originated within the early US rave culture. Kandi’s are typically hand-made using plastic pony beads, although other types of beads are also frequently used. Kandi bracelets are characterized by their bright colors and often feature words, symbols, or charms. Some Kandi bracelets are made to make you laugh, others are more sweet or inspirational.
Candi Bracelets? Kandy Bracelets? How to Spell Kandi Bracelets Correctly?
You might come across different spellings, such as “candi” or “kandi.” However, the most common and widely accepted spelling within the rave community is “Kandi”(pronounced like ‘candy’) with a “K.” This spelling has become synonymous with the unique bracelets and the culture surrounding them. Don’t confuse this with Candy, which is something entirely different. You don’t want to be asking around for Candy at the rave.
Where Did Kandi Bracelets Come From?
Kandi bracelets have their roots in the early rave scene of the 1990s, particularly within the electronic dance music (EDM) community. In the early 1990s, EDM music was just beginning to take root in cities like Los Angeles on the West Coast, and underground raves were starting to pop up in New York City. At these early raves, the first Kandi bracelets began to appear.
Are Kandi Bracelets Associated with Drugs?
Some claim that the earliest versions of Kandi bracelets were worn by drug dealers so that they could be easily identified by holding their hands up in the crowds. Sources claim that these bracelets were used to hide pills and other drugs, which seems inefficient considering the size of the beads.
Regardless if they were originally utilized by drug dealers, Kandi bracelets began growing in popularity within the rave scene. They have evolved and within the modern rave scene, Kandi bracelets are not directly associated with drug use and are no longer used to identify a drug dealer. As these bracelets became more popular a new subculture of Kandi bracelet wearers emerged, the Kandi Kids.
What Are Kandi Kids?
As Kandi bracelets began to grow in popularity within the EDM community the Kandi Kids culture emerged. This group of ravers are known for their love of wearing Kandi bracelets, along with a preference for techno, and happy-hardcore EDM music. They also tend to wear bright neon and rainbow colors, along with cartoonish or outlandish music festival outfits.
You’ll likely see Kandi Kids with not only two arms full of bracelets but also with backpacks or bags full of other trinkets, toys, treats, and plushies(stuffed animals). The bright colors and love of toys have led some to attribute the movement’s roots to a love of anime and the Harajuku district of Japan.
Regardless of the Kandi Kids’ origins, they are commonplace at raves and festivals. They are typically outgoing and friendly, making friends everywhere they go and trading Kandi and trinkets with others. Some have associated the positivity of the movement with euphoric drugs like MDMA and ecstasy, but many Kandi Kids assert that they “get high on music, not drugs,” which is in line with the growing sobriety movement within the rave community.
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Kandi Kids, Kandi Bracelets, and PLUR
Due to the Kandi Kids movement, these bracelets are now synonymous with friendship bracelets. Anyone wearing a Kandi bracelet is likely to be perceived as a friend by others. They’ve become an easy way for ravers to identify and connect with each other. Every bracelet represents a past connection and memory.
The practice of making and trading Kandi bracelets grew out of the PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) philosophy, which emphasizes positive interactions and a sense of community at raves.
Kandi bracelets were originally given to individuals with good energy or a positive vibe that the wearer appreciated. The exchange of Kandi bracelets has become a cornerstone of modern rave culture and a popular trend.
Where Did PLUR Come From? The Roots of PLUR
It may be an urban legend or just an exaggerated story, but the term PLUR allegedly originates from the 1990s rave scene. Ironically enough, the term PLUR was birthed from a situation that is the exact opposite of PLUR, and it is still common at non-edm festivals.
The story goes that on July 24th, 1993 a rising DJ known as Frankie Bones was booked for a rave in the slowly growing EDM scene of New York City. DJ Frankie Bones was already popular in European cities like London where EDM music had already taken root and was rapidly growing in popularity. He, like many others, was attempting to grow the rising electronic music movement here in the US.
As DJ Frankie Bones was playing his set at a dingy venue in the Bronx, a fateful scene played out that would shape US rave culture for many decades. A fight broke out in the crowd during the famous DJs set and spilled over onto his DJ deck. This prompted Frankie Bones to grab his microphone and angrily proclaim “You better start showing some peace, love, and unity or I will break your f*cking faces!”
This humorous moment spread rapidly in the emerging 90s rave scene and quickly became one of the core mantras of the US EDM scene. It eventually blossomed into the values of PLUR that we know and celebrate today through our Kandi exchanges. Whether it is completely accurate or not cannot be known for certain, but we can continue the movement of love based on the idea that music can bring all of us together.
What Do Kandi Bracelets Mean?
Each beaded bracelet carries its unique meaning, often determined by the beads, colors, and charms used. Common themes include friendship, love, peace, and positive vibes. Others can be cultural references or funny messages that bring a smile to your face. When trading Kandi, some ravers may choose to share the story or significance behind the bracelet, adding an extra layer of meaning to the Kandi exchange.
Why Do People Wear Kandi Bracelets to Festivals?
Kandi bracelets are worn to festivals for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons people wear Kandi to music festivals:
Kandi Echange: Kandi bracelets are worn to festivals so they can be traded with others. This Kandi exchange is a tradition that is highly valued among the rave community. Many ravers will create numerous bracelets with the intent to trade them away.
Connection: Trading Kandi is a way to connect with others, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. Exchanging your Kandi with a stranger can be an extremely meaningful interaction and can leave you feeling deeply emotional.
Expression: These bead bracelets are a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to showcase their creativity and personality through the designs and messages on their bracelets.
Tradition: Wearing these bead bracelets has become a cherished tradition within the rave community, symbolizing the values of PLUR and the spirit of the scene.
How to Trade Kandi Bracelets Using the PLUR Handshake
Trading Kandi is a ritualistic and meaningful practice in the US EDM scene. There is a specific way to trade Kandi known as the PLUR handshake, so you’ll need to know the correct way to do it. Below we provide the step-by-step guide on how to do the PLUR handshake and trade Kandi.
Kandi Trading Step-by-Step Guide
First, you’ll need to find someone you want to trade with. Usually trading Kandi bracelets is done with someone else wearing Kandi, someone whose vibe you appreciate or whose outfit you like. The whole point of the Kandi exchange is connection, so you want to have shared a moment rather than trade with the first person you see wearing Kandi.
However, it is common practice to give Kandi bracelets away to someone who looks sad or down. After all the practice of trading Kandi is rooted in PLUR, and spreading that is the most important aspect. Once you’ve found someone you’d like to trade with, you’ll use your right hand to make the symbols for PLUR and exchange them once finished. Here’s how to trade Kandi bracelets correctly using the PLUR handshake:
- Peace: Make a peace sign using the index and middle fingers on your right hand.
- Love: Form one half of a heart shape with your hand.
- Unity: Touch your palms together and interlock fingers which symbolizes unity.
- Respect: While hands are interlocked slide the bracelet you want to exchange from your wrist to theirs one at a time.
- After Trading: After exchanging bracelets most ravers will hug and you’ll both have a new connection and Kandi bracelet to remember it.
What Arm Should You Wear Kandi On?
You will likely notice ravers wearing their Kandi on both arms. Unbeknown to most, there is a designated arm for bracelets to be traded and one for the ones you want to keep. Wearing your Kandi on the correct arm can prevent any awkward exchanges.
For Kandi you want to exchange, they should be worn on the right arm. Any bracelets that you want to keep (untradeable Kandi) should be worn on your left arm. By following this rule you’ll prevent any misunderstandings or awkward situations.
What If I Don’t Have Any Kandi Bracelets to Trade?
If you didn’t know about Kand bracelets and don’t have any, you shouldn’t worry. Many Kandi bracelet enthusiasts are happy to give away their bracelets to anyone, as giving trinkets away is part of music festival culture. If you are out of Kandi bracelets to trade, consider giving them another trinket or object instead. However, if you do not have any Kandi’s to trade you should be sure to let others approach you first.
What is Kandi Trading Etiquette? Kandi Trading Rules
When it comes to trading there are some Kandi trading rules you should be aware of. Here’s a quick list of do-s and don’ts when it comes to Kandi trading etiquette.
Do’s of Kandi Trading
- Trade or give to those who look sad, or down. Kandi trading is all about spreading PLUR
- Create the Kandi bracelets you’d want to receive. Be funny, kind, or unique!
- Teach others the PLUR handshake and spread the tradition
- Keep a designated arm of Kandis to trade and use that arm during exchanges
- Pick up any Kandis found on the ground, leave no trace!
- Support small rave brands when buying Kandi supplies
- If you do not have Kandi, try trading something else like a trinket or sprout
- Trade with someone who you’ve shared a connection or moment with
Dont’s of Kandi Trading Etiquette
- Don’t force a Kandi exchange. Most ravers won’t refuse a Kandi trade if you approach them but the exchange is supposed to happen with someone who you’ve shared a real connection or moment with. You shouldn’t randomly ask to trade with people.
- Don’t ask for a specific Kandi unless the person offers as it’s considered rude to ask for specific pieces. Ravers will usually give away a Kandi based on the qualities or characteristics they see in you or a specific connection you’ve shared.
- Don’t trade Kandi that you just received. The Kandi that are given to you are based on your connection or characteristics and should be held on to. Use a designated arm for Kandi you received and will keep, and for the ones you have to trade.
- Don’t trade Kandi’s that were custom-made for you. If someone took the time to create a kandi bracelet specifically for you then you should not give that one away. Honor that connection and keep the bracelet.
- Don’t panic if you don’t know the PLUR handshake, other ravers will be happy to teach you.
Do You Have to Wear Kandi Bracelets to Go to a Rave?
While Kandi is a beloved part of rave culture, it is by no means a requirement. Many people attend raves without wearing Kandi and still have a fantastic time. The most important thing is to embrace the positive, inclusive spirit of the event.
However, as seasoned ravers, we strongly encourage you to bring at least a few bead bracelets. You might be surprised at the priceless moments they can create, or the connections you make because of them.
Where to Get Kandi Bracelets
You can find ready-made Kandi bracelets at various places, including:
Online stores: Websites like Etsy offer a wide range of Kandi bracelets. Several rave brands sell Kandi beads or bracelets.
Rave and festival vendors: Many festivals have vendors selling handmade Kandi. We strongly recommend supporting your local rave brands over major foreign brands like those on Amazon.
Festival Tents: Some festivals like EDC have their own Kandi making stations you can check out.
However, many ravers choose to make their own Kandi bracelets and it’s the method that we recommend. Making your own is a fun and rewarding option. Plus, the beads are relatively inexpensive on Amazon and the bracelets are relatively easy to make.
How to Make Kandi Bracelets
Creating your own Kandi bracelets is a great way to add a personal touch. This method allows you to create completely customized bracelets that can reflect your own aesthetic or sense of humor. You can create specific bracelets that will be perfect for someone you meet at the rave. This approach is also far more cost-effective and will allow you to create several. To get started, you’ll need these materials:
- Pony beads (pick your favorite colors and styles)
- Elastic string (clear works great for all colors or choose the multi-color string options)
- Scissors
- Charms (optional)
- Lighter (optional)
Once these are in hand, you can make Kandi bracelets for as long as you have beads left. Making them is relatively quick and easy. Follow the steps below to get started.
Step By Step Kandi Bracelet Making Guide
- Measure and cut: Measure the elastic string around your wrist and cut it, leaving about 1 inch or 2-3cm of extra length for tying it off.
- String the beads: Choose your beads and string them onto the elastic in your desired pattern.
- Add charms: If using charms, string them onto the bracelet as well.
- Tie the knot: Once you’ve added all the beads, use both ends and tie a secure knot in the elastic to close the bracelet. You can use a lighter to seal the loose ends of the knot, but use caution not to burn the knot off, or your fingers!
- Trim and wear: Trim any excess elastic, and your Kandi bracelet is ready to wear or trade!
Embrace the creativity and community spirit of Kandi bracelets, and enjoy the connections and memories they help create at your next rave or festival.
Embrace a Rave Tradition and Attend Your Next Music Festival Wearing Kandi Bracelets!
Kandi bracelets are more than just colorful rave accessories; they are symbols of self-expression, community, and the PLUR values that underpin rave culture. From their origins in the 1990s rave scene to their current status as cherished festival traditions, Kandi bracelets bring people together and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re making your own Kandi, trading with new friends, or simply wearing them to express your individuality, these rave bracelets embody the positive, inclusive spirit of the rave community. So, next time you head to a festival, remember to bring your Kandi and embrace the vibrant connections that come with it.
And if you are looking for some funny festival fans, unique LED bags, or festival accessories in general, be sure to check out the House of Rave gear selection.