Kandi bracelets originated in the early 1990s. The first people to make and wear kandi bracelets were drug dealers, who wore them to raves so that customers could find them. Since most people put their hands up during raves, brightly colored bracelets could easily be seen. Drug dealers hid small pills in the beads of bracelets to avoid getting in trouble for handing out LSD and ecstasy.
Over time, the association between kandi bracelets and drug dealers had disappeared. Instead, kandi bracelets became an essential accessory for ravegoers. Attendees started making their own kandi bracelets, not just in single strands, but also in more complex patterns and with a mix of colored and lettered beads. Ravegoers traded their homemade kandi bracelets, sometimes as a mark of friendship or PLUR, which stands for peace, love, unity, and respect. There is a special four-part PLUR handshake, ending in two people’s hands being intertwined so that they share a bracelet and then hug.
The popularity of kandi bracelets brought together a subculture known as Kandi Kids. These kids typically listen to techno and happy-hardcore sub-genres of EDM. Other common interests of Kandi Kids include neon-colored clothing and accessories to match their bracelets, children’s characters such as Hello Kitty and Invader Zim, and stuffed animals. The Kandi Kid personality is thought to typically be friendly and high spirited. One way Kandi Kids were described in contrast to 1990s ravegoers was that they “get high off music, not drugs.”
Despite the change in meaning of kandi bracelets, their prevalence at raves still sparks concern. Some people believe wearing kandi bracelets promotes drug use and others point out the amount of litter bracelets create if they break. As a result, some venues have banned kandi bracelets. In addition, a Facebook petition circulated a few years ago to ban kandi bracelets. While this petition did not reach its goal of 3000 signatures, over 2000 users signed it.
Nevertheless, kandi bracelets are still sold on Etsy or you can make your own with pony beads and string from your local craft store. Kandi bracelets may not be as popular now as they were during the 1990s-2000s, but let’s bring them back in style!