The Bead has been chosen in honour of its heritage as the oldest, most universally valued symbol that strikes a cord and makes a connection with everyone.
As one of the first forms of creative and spiritual expression, communication, adornment, decoration and measure of wealth, beads transcend issues of culture, nationality, race and creed. They have been used by every culture and every religion in the world in various ways.
In Africa, most especially, they have played a rich and vibrant role in culture and decoration and clearly reflect our Rainbow Nation in their variety, colour and form
As importantly, the word bead derives from the Anglo-Saxon bidden meaning, “to pray”. We believe that each of the more than 400,000 beads in the Bead Aid 2004 tapestry will represent powerful wishes and individual prayers for the benefit of the children at Elim Home.
We will be looking in more detail at the symbolism and meaning of the tapestry once it is complete so keep watching this space
