TRADING KANDI ETIQUETTE: How To Trade Kandi.

For those that are new to the scene, we’ve compiled the best tips and etiquette for trading kandi.

When I was first introduced to music festival scene, I was completely oblivious to the music/rave culture. I didn’t know what PLURR was, let alone kandi. It wasn’t till my friends who were rave veterans clued me in on what it meant: Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, and Responsibility. Associated with the PLURR culture is the kandi culture; both really go hand in hand.

Kandi is the small bracelets made of pony beads or stones that people trade at different music festivals and events. Some artists have voiced their different opinions on it. Most are for the trading of kandi, however there are some against it because of the connotation and association of substance abuse that comes with it.

For myself, I see it as a creative outlet. I love creating small pieces of artwork and trading them away because love and creativity goes into each piece. You never know what a person is going through when you trade. That one piece you trade may be their next special memory associated with that piece. It’s a way to connect with others on a completely different level.

Festivals can be full of special moments, and kandi can help make those moments even more special. Don’t force the moment.

There have been several moments where the trading of Kandi can happen. For example, I had one guy offer to give me a shoulder ride at TomorrowWorld. I gave him a piece of kandi as a way to say thanks. In return, he gave me a light up paracord bracelet since he had no kandi to trade. I’ve also had people give me an awesome light show, and I gave them a piece to show my gratitude.

Kandi worn on the right arm are for trade, while the left arm is off limits.

Generally speaking, anything on the right arm is available for trade and the ones that are not tradeable are on the left. The ones on the left may be singles the person has received or have special meaning to them. I know I bring some of my favorites with me to shows to wear proudly. These singles have special meaning or they are with the theme of my costume.

Don’t trade away pieces that you have received, especially if they were made specifically for you.

Someone took time and effort to make something specifically for you. You wouldn’t want someone to give something away that you made for them, would you? I personally keep all of my kandi that I received in a special bin at home. Each piece has its own special story.

Create kandi that you would personally want to receive.

Over the years, my kandi making skills have grown since I first started making it back in 2013. I’ve begun to shy away from the pony beads and into the actual strung beads, but you can visit Kandi Patterns to get ideas for your next creation. Your creativity lives within you. Just remember to ask yourself: would I love receiving this in a trade?

In addition, always be sure to make sure the piece you’re creating will fit your wrist or arm. It can be painful if the piece is too small and impractical if it’s too big.