Fitting the Ide

An Ide, a consecrated bracelet in Santeria and Ifa, represents a tremendous outpouring of spiritual energy. Many practitioners get elaborate beaded Ides, or have their fed Ide beads set in 14-karat gold or sterling silver. These Ides can cost hundreds of dollars, but they are the same as any other string of consecrated beds: if they break, the power of the Orisha has saved you from misfortune, and a new one must be presented.

Many people fit their Ides like a bracelet, and that is too loose! The Ide is likely to snag and break!

If you are investing in a custom Ide, it should fit comfortably on the narrowest part of the wrist. A pencil should slide between the Ide and the skin, but not fall out if the arm is held upright.

When you are having a custom Ide made, they should measure your wrist to ensure a proper fit.

Also, keep in mind that chunkier beaded Ides need to be longer than plain Ides. The beader will ensure that you get the correct length.

There is no need to say anymore about this. Just know that many Ide breaks can be prevented by simply making sure that the Ide fits properly to begin with.