The Movement
Rave culture is the subculture surrounding electronic dance music events, characterized by PLUR ethos (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect), kandi bracelets, colorful fashion, and all-night dancing. Originating in late 1980s UK warehouse parties, it experienced mainstream resurgence 2010-2015 through EDM festival explosion.
PLUR Philosophy
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect became rave culture’s guiding principles:
- Peace: Non-violence, acceptance of all attendees
- Love: Emotional openness, vulnerability, human connection
- Unity: Collective experience transcending individuality
- Respect: Consent culture, harm reduction, personal boundaries
PLUR manifested through kandi trading (exchanging handmade beaded bracelets), group hugs during drops, and radical acceptance of diverse identities.
Kandi Culture
Homemade beaded bracelets became rave culture’s visual identifier. Ravers crafted intricate multi-layered cuffs with messages (“PLUR,” DJ names, inside jokes) and traded them using elaborate handshakes. By 2015, veteran ravers wore dozens of kandi bracelets up their arms as badges of festival attendance.
Fashion
Rave fashion embraced neon colors, LED accessories, and comfort:
- Pasties, bras, tutus (for women)
- Kandi, LED gloves, diffraction glasses
- Flow toys: Poi, hula hoops, glow sticks
- Comfortable shoes: (Pumas, Vans — “If you’re wearing heels, you’re doing it wrong”)
Underground vs. Mainstream
Underground raves (1990s-2000s): Illegal warehouse parties, secret locations, MDMA culture, DJ anonymity
Mainstream EDM era (2010-2016): Legal festivals, corporate sponsorships, celebrity DJs, alcohol sales
The tension between underground authenticity and commercial festivals divided community.
Resources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rave