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What is a Blessingway and the role of beads?

 

A Blessingway is a sacred, intimate ceremony rooted in Native American traditions, particularly of the Navajo people, though it has been embraced and adapted by many cultures to honor and support a woman as she prepares for the transformative journey of motherhood. Unlike a typical baby shower that focuses on material gifts for the baby, a Blessingway is centered around emotional, spiritual, and communal support for the expectant mother.

One cherished tradition in many modern Blessingways involves each participant bringing a bead imbued with a personal intention, prayer, or blessing for the mother and her impending birth journey. These beads often carry deep symbolism, reflecting the giver’s unique wish for strength, peace, protection, or joy. Participants may choose beads that hold specific colors, shapes, or materials that resonate with their feelings or experiences of motherhood, birth, or sisterhood.

During the ceremony, each person takes a moment to present their bead to the mother, explaining the intention or blessing behind it. As the beads are shared, they are strung together to create a beautiful, unique necklace. This beaded necklace becomes a powerful symbol of the collective love, support, and strength of the community, a tangible reminder for the mother that she is surrounded by care, wisdom, and encouragement.

The necklace can be worn or kept close by during labor and delivery, serving as a physical and emotional anchor, helping the mother feel connected to her circle of support, even if they are not physically present. This tradition highlights the collective bond of women supporting each other through the sacred experience of bringing new life into the world.

Below are a selection of some of our favorite beads for such ceremonies.  

Healing Stone Beads For Pregnancy & Motherhood

Agate Stone Beads

Agate’s properties include easing discomfort from bloating and gastric issues.

Amethyst Stone Beads

Amethyst is believed to release tension, physical and emotional pain and to offer protection

Black Onyx Stone Beads

Black Onyx: In some cultures Black Onyx is given to mothers during labor to bolster strength and stamina helping to speed labor.  

Celestite Stone Beads

Celestite can assist in the relief of stress, anxiety and obsessive behaviors. Perfect for anyone nervous about a new experience.

Citrine Stone Beads 

Citrine beads are often paired with Amethysts. Great for twins since the stones are different color variants of the same source and believed to promote  individuality while easing twin rivalry.

Garnet Stone Beads

Garnet stone beads are used to help discourage miscarriages. 

Lapis Lazuli Stone Beads

Lapis Lazuli helps to heal the body from the stressors of pregnancy

Malachite Stone Beads

Malachite is believed to help ease labor pains or cramping, promote contractions and is known as the "midwives stone.”

Moonstone Stone Beads

Moonstone is known for aiding fertility, childbirth, pregnancy, balancing female hormones and easing water retention.

Peridot Stone Beads

Peridot is said to ward against postpartum depression and help to ease the opening of the birth canal during labor. 

Rose Quartz Stone Beads

Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love, it is believed to help strengthen the bond between parent and child.

Selenite Stone Beads

Selenite is said to help relieve  back pain and muscle tension, and bring one to a place of peacefulness.

Unakite Stone Beads

Unakite is a neutralizing stone. It helps balance emotions, alleviates nausea during early pregnancy and is an overall good stone for promoting healthy pregnancies.