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What do the beads mean on a rosary. Exploring the Profound Meaning of Rosary Beads: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the significance of Rosary beads in Catholic tradition. How are Rosary beads used in prayer. What do different parts of a Rosary symbolize. Why are Rosary beads arranged in a specific pattern. Can Rosaries be made from various materials. How do Rosary beads aid in spiritual practice.

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The Essence of Rosary Beads: A Sacred Tool for Prayer

Rosary beads have long been an integral part of Catholic devotion, serving as a tangible aid in prayer and meditation. These sacred objects are more than mere decorative items; they are powerful instruments that help believers connect with their faith on a deeper level. But what exactly do these beads represent, and how do they function in religious practice?

At its core, a Rosary is a prayer focus tool designed to assist the faithful in keeping track of their prayers. The beads serve as a physical representation of prayers recited, allowing the user to maintain concentration and progress through a series of devotions without losing count. This practical function, however, is just the beginning of the Rosary’s significance.

The Dual Nature of Rosary Beads

For many believers, Rosary beads hold a dual nature. On one hand, they are a practical tool for prayer, no different from a prayer book or a Bible. On the other hand, some individuals view the Rosary as a source of comfort, protection, and even luck. This duality highlights the personal nature of faith and the varied ways in which people connect with their spirituality.

Is one perspective more valid than the other? The beauty of faith lies in its personal nature. Each believer finds their own unique connection with the divine, and the Rosary serves as a versatile instrument to facilitate that connection, regardless of one’s specific beliefs about its power.

The Anatomy of a Rosary: Decoding Its Components

Understanding the structure of a Rosary is crucial to grasping its full significance. While Rosaries can vary in design and material, they all share common elements that serve specific purposes in prayer and meditation.

The Cross or Crucifix

Every Rosary begins with a cross or crucifix, symbolizing the foundation of Christian faith. This element serves as the starting point for prayer, where believers make the sign of the cross and often recite the Apostles’ Creed.

The Beads

Rosary beads are typically arranged in groups, each serving a distinct purpose:

  • Hail Mary Beads: These smaller beads, usually grouped in sets of ten (called decades), are used to count recitations of the Hail Mary prayer.
  • Our Father Beads: Larger beads or spaces between decades mark where the Our Father prayer is recited.
  • Glory Be Beads: Often the same as the Our Father beads, these mark the end of each decade and the recitation of the Glory Be prayer.

The Medallion or Center Piece

Many Rosaries feature a medallion or centerpiece, often depicting the Virgin Mary or a saint. This element serves as a focal point for reflection and can hold personal significance for the user.

The Versatility of Rosary Materials: From Traditional to Modern

One of the fascinating aspects of Rosaries is the wide variety of materials used in their construction. This diversity not only reflects personal preferences but also the rich history and evolution of this sacred object.

Traditional Materials

Historically, Rosaries have been crafted from materials such as:

  • Wood: Symbolizing humility and connection to nature
  • Metal: Often used for durability and ornate designs
  • Precious stones: Reflecting the value placed on prayer and devotion
  • Glass: Allowing for a wide range of colors and designs

Modern Innovations

In recent times, Rosaries have been made from various modern materials, including:

  • Plastic: Offering affordability and durability
  • Silicone: Providing a flexible and child-friendly option
  • Glow-in-the-dark materials: Adding a contemporary twist to traditional designs

Can a Rosary be made from unconventional materials? Indeed, the essence of a Rosary lies not in its material composition but in its function as a prayer aid. Some creative individuals have crafted Rosaries from items such as seeds, recycled materials, or even digital formats, demonstrating that the spirit of prayer can be channeled through various mediums.

The Significance of Rosary Layout: A Path to Spiritual Journey

The arrangement of beads on a Rosary is far from arbitrary. Each element is carefully placed to guide the user through a structured prayer sequence, creating a spiritual journey with each use.

The Standard Layout

A typical five-decade Rosary consists of:

  1. The crucifix
  2. One large bead
  3. Three small beads
  4. Another large bead
  5. A centerpiece or medallion
  6. Five sets of ten small beads (decades), each separated by a large bead

The Prayer Sequence

This layout facilitates a specific prayer sequence:

  1. The Apostles’ Creed (at the crucifix)
  2. Our Father (on the first large bead)
  3. Three Hail Marys (on the three small beads)
  4. Glory Be (before the next large bead)
  5. The decades: each consisting of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be

Why does the Rosary have a “tail” of beads? This “tail” allows users to complete a full cycle of prayers without returning to the cross, providing a smooth transition between prayer sets.

The Rosary as a Meditation Tool: Beyond Mere Recitation

While the Rosary’s structure guides users through specific prayers, its true power lies in its ability to facilitate deep meditation and contemplation. Each bead becomes not just a counter, but a focal point for reflection on the mysteries of faith.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

As believers progress through the beads, they contemplate various aspects of Christian faith, known as mysteries. These include:

  • Joyful Mysteries: Focusing on Christ’s birth and early life
  • Sorrowful Mysteries: Reflecting on the passion and death of Jesus
  • Glorious Mysteries: Celebrating the resurrection and heavenly events
  • Luminous Mysteries: Meditating on key moments in Jesus’ public ministry

How do these mysteries enhance the prayer experience? By providing rich, narrative-based themes for reflection, the mysteries transform the Rosary from a simple prayer recitation into a profound meditation on the core elements of Christian faith.

The Evolution of Rosary Designs: Adapting to Modern Needs

While the traditional Rosary design remains popular, various adaptations have emerged to meet different spiritual needs and practical considerations.

Single-Decade Rosaries

These compact versions feature just one set of ten beads, making them ideal for quick prayers or for carrying in a pocket or purse.

Rosary Rings

Worn on the finger, these simplified Rosaries allow for discreet prayer throughout the day.

Digital Rosaries

Embracing technology, these modern interpretations use apps or electronic devices to guide users through prayers and meditations.

Do these variations diminish the sanctity of the Rosary? Not at all. They represent the adaptability of faith practices to changing times and individual needs, while maintaining the core purpose of facilitating prayer and reflection.

The Global Impact of Rosary Beads: A Universal Symbol of Faith

While deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, the influence of Rosary beads extends far beyond a single denomination. These sacred objects have become a recognizable symbol of faith worldwide, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

Interfaith Appreciation

Many non-Catholics have come to appreciate the meditative aspects of using prayer beads, leading to adaptations in other faith traditions.

Cultural Significance

In many countries, Rosaries have become integral parts of cultural identity, often featuring in art, literature, and even fashion.

Historical Impact

Throughout history, Rosaries have played roles in diplomacy, warfare, and social movements, symbolizing peace, protection, and solidarity.

How has the Rosary maintained its relevance in a changing world? Its adaptability, combined with its core function as a tool for spiritual focus, has allowed the Rosary to remain a powerful symbol of faith and devotion across generations and cultures.

The Personal Connection: Making the Rosary Your Own

While the structure and prayers of the Rosary are well-established, many believers find ways to personalize their experience with this sacred object. This personalization deepens the connection between the individual and their faith practice.

Choosing Meaningful Materials

Some people select Rosaries made from materials that hold special significance, such as beads made from the wood of a holy site or stones from a meaningful location.

Adding Personal Prayers

Many users incorporate their own prayers or intentions at specific points in the Rosary sequence, making each recitation unique to their spiritual needs.

Customizing Meditation Themes

While the traditional mysteries provide a framework for meditation, some individuals create their own themes for reflection based on personal experiences or current events.

Can personalizing the Rosary enhance its spiritual impact? Absolutely. By making the Rosary uniquely their own, believers often find a deeper, more meaningful connection to their prayer practice and, by extension, to their faith.

The Rosary, with its intricate design and rich symbolism, stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human need for tangible connections to the divine. Whether used in traditional prayer, personal meditation, or as a comforting presence, Rosary beads continue to play a vital role in the spiritual lives of millions around the world. As we’ve explored, the meaning of these beads extends far beyond their physical form, encompassing centuries of tradition, personal devotion, and the ongoing evolution of religious practice. In understanding the Rosary, we gain insight not just into a single religious artifact, but into the complex tapestry of human spirituality itself.

The Rosary’s Beads and Their Meaning

Here at Scripture Catholic, we have been asked by many of our readers what do the Rosary’s beads mean. We have written several articles covering how to use Rosary beads, the different types of Rosaries, as well as the different Rosary prayers.

In this article we will be breaking down what purpose a Rosary serves, and why the beads are strung out the way they are.

What are Rosaries?

A Rosary is a religious focus, more or less speaking it is a trinket that one would use to help keep track of their prayers. Individually, some of us may find that merely holding the rosary brings them comfort, and helps them to further strengthen their connection with God, thus bringing them protection and luck.

To others, the Rosary is no different then the bible. They regard the rosary as being nothing more then a tool that is used in ones service to God, and serves as aid during their prayers.

I myself will not say which view is right or wrong here. As we all have our own way of thinking, and find our own connections with the Lord, there can be no right or wrong answer, only what is right for you.

What Makes a Rosary?

As Rosaries can come in various different forms, and can be made out of almost any material (metal, stone, fiber, glass or plastic) we will be talking about them in general terms.

In truth a Rosary does not even need to be a chain of beads, the link is more for practicality and convenience. If you wanted, you could create your own rosary using loose stones, coins, bobbles, or even a row of pegs or nails would suffice.

As long as there is a way for you to be able to count out your prayers and keep track of where you are up to, the Rosary could be a tradition beaded chain, or made of components that are more symbolic for yourself.

Why are Rosaries Laid Out the Way They are?

All Rosaries have a core design with their layouts. Their intended use, is what determines how many beads are present and how many are clustered together.

Crosses and Medallions

One core element that can be found on all Rosaries, be they 1 – 5 Century, Chaplets, or Rings, is that they all have either a Cross/Crucifix, or a Pendent/Medallion that represents Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a Saint, at its beginning.

Even Rosaries that form a solid loop, will either have a central medallion link with the cross trailing off, or in the case of Rosary rings, the cross itself can be found completing the loop.

We make the sign of the cross when we hold onto it, and an opening prayer such as the “Apostle’s Creed” is recited.

What are the Clustered Beads For?

Rosaries are designed with their beads in clusters for a reason. Each of the smaller beads found on all Rosaries are called “Hail Mary” beads. In most prays, these beads would be used to recite Hail Mary once per bead, with the final bead in the link having a “Glory Be” recited immediately after the final Hail Mary.

These Haily Mary beads are used to keep count of how many times the prayer has been said, or in the case of some Chaplet prayers, they can let you know which prayer you need to be on. This makes Rosaries a simplistic, yet effective device for keeping track of where you are up to.

Why is There a Separating Bead?

These secondary beads, also called “Our Father” beads, are used to indicate the end of a century. Their primary purpose is to help indicate when and where to recite Our Father, or another specific prayer.

Their appearance/layout varies from Rosary to Rosary. Sometimes these Our Father beads are larger then the Hail Mary beads, of a different color or material, or spaced further apart from the rest of the beads. Other times the Our Fathers are medallions instead, or in the case of the Rosary Ring, absent all together, making the cross an Our Father bead the second time it is touched.

Why Does the Cross Trail Off on Looped Rosaries?

Most looped Rosary beads have a tail at the beginning. This is designed to allow the user to continue with their prayers without having to touch the cross again.

The tail also has its own set of prayers depending on which beads are present. In the case of the modern 5 Century Rosary beads, between the cross and the loop there is 1 x Our Father, 3 x Hail Marys, and another 1 x Our Father.

This means that as part of the prayer cycle, the following prayers are said before commencing with the prayers on the loop.

  • Start at the cross/crucifix, recite “Apostle’s Creed”
  • For the first bead recite “Our Father”
  • On each of the next three beads recite “Hail Mary”
  • Before touching the fifth bead recite “Glory Be”
    • Some people will use the fifth bead for “Glory Be” and the central medallion link for the beginning of the next cycle
  • The fifth bead marks the commencement of the century of prayers

Most other looped Rosaries do not have the first four beads, instead having just the one Our Father bead.

Conclusion

We hope that this article was able to answer any questions that you may have had regarding why Rosaries are designed the way they are.

The Rosary and how to use Rosary Beads

The word “Rosary” means a chain of roses and the roses are prayers. The Rosary Prayer tells us about the life of Jesus and his Mother, Mary. In the Church, the month of October is, by custom, the month of the Rosary but people do use this prayer all the year round.

There are four sets of “mysteries” or events from four periods of Jesus’s life.

First, there are the “Joyful Mysteries”. These are the events around the birth of Jesus. The five Joyful Mysteries are:

  • the Annunciation;
  • the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth;
  • the birth of Jesus;
  • the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple;
  • the Finding of the boy Jesus

Next, there are the “Mysteries of Light”. These are events from the public ministry of Jesus. They are:

  • the Baptism of Jesus;
  • the Wedding Feast at Cana;
  • the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven;
  • the Transfiguration;
  • the Last Supper.

Then, there are the “Sorrowful Mysteries”. There are the events surround the death of Jesus. They are:

  • the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane;
  • the Scourging;
  • the Crowning with Thorns;
  • Jesus carries the Cross;
  • the Crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Finally, there are the “Glorious Mysteries”. These are the events following the Resurrection of Jesus. They are:

  • the Resurrection of Jesus;
  • the Ascension of Jesus into heaven;
  • the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit;
  • the Assumption of Mary into heaven;
  • Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

As a prayer, it reminds us that we are never alone when we pray; when we pray we are always helped by the prayers of Our Lady and the saints in heaven as well as the prayers of all the members of the Church. It also teaches the words of the most important prayers.The Rosary Beads are used to help us; they count our prayers and tell us which prayer to say.

We being the Rosary Prayer with the Crucifix. We make the Sign of the Cross as we say:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

And while still holding the Crucifix we say the Apostles’ Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Then there is a large bead. At each large bead we say the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed by thy name; thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Next there are three small beads. At each small bead we say the Hail Mary prayer:

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.

After these three Hail Mary prayers, we say the Glory be to the Father:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Then there is a large bead. This indicates the First Mystery and one Our Father prayer.

Next on the Rosary beads there is a clasp; we shall come to this later. Most people move to the left and there are ten small beads for ten Hail Mary prayers and a Glory be. We move around the 5 decades of the Rosary in this way until we arrive at the clasp. At the clasp it is customary to say the following prayer

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

The rosary is easy to use as a prayer. It can also be put into smaller sections which help us to get to know it.

So one week we could focus on the five Joyful Mysteries and each day, Monday to Friday, pray one decade each day. Then the following week we could focus on the Mysteries of Light, and so on.

What Do The Beads on a Rosary Mean?

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What does it mean when someone gives you rosary beads? If you are curious about the rosary and what those clusters of beads represent, stick around and we will tell you all about them.

The first thing you have to know about the rosary (in the general context of the Christian faith) is that there is a special way to say the prayers, or the mysteries, depending on the day of the week.

The Glorious Mysteries of the rosary, for example, are meant to be prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Luminous mystery, on the other hand, is reserved only for Thursdays.

The Joyful mystery, on Mondays and Saturdays only, and then finally, the Sorrowful mystery is reserved for Tuesdays and Fridays. This has always been the tradition in using the rosary, which is essentially a type of prayer bead set similar to what other faiths use to help people keep track of their meditations and prayers.

Understanding the Parts of the Rosary

In Roman Catholic belief, the Blessed Virgin Mary has asked for the faithful to recite the rosary, which is a form of prayer that she gifted humanity centuries ago. The Blessed Virgin reiterates that the rosary remains her favorite expression of faith.

The rosary, despite its strong association with Mary, is focused on the life of Jesus Christ. Admittedly, the rosary requires a different approach to prayer because it has two components: the mental reflection on specific events in the life of Jesus Christ, and the verbal component, which is the repetition of the short enunciations that complete each decade in the rosary.

The rosary itself is a tool (or trinket) that helps people keep track of each part of the cycle of prayer.

Take note, however, that in Roman Catholicism, the rosary is considered a sacred object, and must be cared for as such. From the logic of faith, having a rosary at home means that your home is constantly offering a prayer to God with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin.

A rosary is comprised of the central cross, followed by sets of beads that guide the faithful through each part of the cycle. There are individual beads, and then a series of consecutive beads with spacers.

A rosary can be split into three main parts based on the prayers: the introduction, the five decades, and then the conclusion. You can use the rosary from right to left or left to right, there is no wrong way to use it (directionally speaking).

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Praying the Rosary

Here are the basic steps in praying the rosary:

During the introduction, kiss the cross of the rosary and then make the sign of the cross. While holding the cross, recite the Apostle’s Creed. There will be four beads after the cross, a cluster of three beads and alone bead. Recite one Our Father prayer at the individual bead, followed by a series of three Hail Mary’s.

Take note that whenever you pray the rosary, you may state a special intention for the prayer. The intention can be spoken after stating the mystery being meditated upon.

Each group of mysteries represents five special events revolving around the life of the Divine Son. These five special events are then represented by the five decades of the rosary. Some smaller rosaries that can be worn around the wrist only have a cross and ten beads. If you lack a standard rosary, this type of rosary can be used as well.

When you’re ready, state the name of the mystery, followed by the intention for the rosary prayer at the time. At the individual bead (the one that comes before the ten beads), recite one Our Father.

Next, recite ten Hail Mary’s in full. During group prayer, the leader of the prayer says the first half of the Hail Mary and the rest of the faithful answer with the second half. After the tenth completed Hail Mary, recite one Glory Be, followed immediately by O My Jesus. Repeat the process four more times, until all five mysteries have been reflected upon, and you can go around the five decades of the rosary.

After reciting the five decades, proceed to a Marian prayer. Optionally, you can append another prayer, such as the prayer to the Holy Spirit, after the recitation of the Marian prayer.

In some countries, Hail, Holy Queen is considered an apt conclusion for the five decades, but in others, the faithful instead recite the Mamorare of St. Bernard. After the final prayer, kiss the cross once again and make the sign of the cross. You have just prayed an entire rosary.

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Reflecting on the Use of the Rosary

The faithful needs to know exactly why they’re praying the rosary in the first place. While there have been many, many variations to the original use of the rosary, the basic Roman Catholic tenet on its use is approaching Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin.

We can do this because the Son of God is mothered by the Blessed Virgin, and she has a special connection with the Holy Trinity, which is the foundation of the Roman Catholic faith.

The faithful are also able to return to Christ and pray this way because, through the redemption of the faithful, those who believe in the faith are automatically considered a part of Christ himself. It is only a matter of fully believing in Christ and making sure that we can practice the faith through our acts and deeds.

What makes the Blessed Virgin a natural conduit to Christ?

The Blessed Virgin has always been pure and free of sin. That’s why when we approach her through the rosary for example, she will be able to guide us to Christ and God immediately.

Meaning of Rosary Beads | Synonym

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Prayer beads have been a part of various religious traditions for centuries, including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, with the Anglo-Saxon words for “prayer” and “to pray” contributing the word “bead” to the English language. Use of Catholic rosaries, which began in medieval monasteries, helped illiterate worshippers count their prayers during the late Middle Ages, and the use of beads in Christianity remains most prevalent among Catholic believers.

1 Symbolism of the Rosary

For Catholics, the rosary is both a collection of prayers and the beads used to keep track of them. The prayers recited with the beads honor the Virgin Mary, and the person praying meditates on the life of Christ and His mother while saying the prayers. The word “rosary” derives from the idea that a rose symbolizes perfection, and reciting the rosary prayers creates a spiritual garden of perfected prayer.

Smaller beads form groups of 10, or decades, with a larger bead between the sets, for praying the prayers for the mysteries, or meditations, of Christ’s life. Typically, a pendant of a crucifix with three small and one large bead completes the circle.

2 Crucifix and Pendant

When using a rosary, worshippers recite either the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed while holding the crucifix. The pendant beads count the first Pater Noster, three Ave Maria and one Doxology prayers, and some believers include the Oratio Fatimae, or Fatima Prayer.

3 Pater Noster and the Doxology

The large beads between the decades of the rosary count the recitations of the Pater Noster, or Our Father prayer, sometimes called the Lord’s Prayer. The Catholic version of the prayer differs slightly from that used in Protestant churches, with the words, “Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

At these large beads, the worshipper says Glory Be, or Doxology — “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

4 Ave Maria, or Hail Mary, Prayer

Decades, or groups of 10 smaller beads, complete the bulk of the rosary. As the believer touches each of these, he speaks the Ave Maria prayer, which honors the Virgin Mary and the Annunciation with the words, “Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

As the prayers are recited, symbolically presenting a rose of perfection to Jesus and his mother, the believer meditates on events from the life of Christ, known also as “mysteries.” There are four sets of meditations — the joyful mysteries, the sorrowful mysteries, the luminous mysteries and the glorious mysteries. Each set of meditations includes five events to consider while praying, and worshippers focus on each on specific days of the week, with the joyful meditations on Monday and on Advent and Lent Saturdays and Sundays, the luminous mysteries on Thursdays and the sorrowful meditations on Tuesdays and Fridays and on Lenten Saturdays. The glorious mysteries fall on Wednesdays and Sundays, except during Advent and Lent.

The Story behind Catholic Rosary Beads

Along with the cross and the sacred holy water fonts, the small beads that makeup Rosary beads are one of the most familiar and recognized symbols of Catholicism. According to Catholic tradition, the rosary was instituted by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. In the 13th century, she is said to have appeared to St. Dominic (founder of the Dominicans), given him a rosary, and asked that Christians pray the Hail MaryOur Father and Glory Be prayers instead of the Psalms. The original rosary of St. Dominic had 15 decades.

Rosary Beads Meaning

The main function of the rosary beads is to count prayers, the prayers that are counted on rosary beads are collectively known as the rosary. The purpose of the Rosary is to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in history. There are twenty mysteries reflected upon in the Rosary, and these are divided into five main mysteries which correspond to the five decades of the rosary.

  • Five Joyful Mysteries are prayed on Mondays and Saturdays. These events all have to do with Christ’s birth.
  • Five Luminous Mysteries are recalled on Thursdays and were instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
  • Five Sorrowful Mysteries relate to Jesus’ suffering and death and are recalled on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Five Glorious Mysteries remind the faithful of Jesus’ resurrection and the glories of heaven and are prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Although a variety of prayers might be used in saying the rosary, a selection of standard prayers is most commonly used. They are Apostle’s Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. A decade consists of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory Be.

Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Our Father:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom comes; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be:

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

How Many Beads In a Rosary?

There are 59 beads in a rosary.

The following are the steps for praying the rosary using rosary beads:

  1. On the crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed.
  2. On the next large bead, pray the Our Father.
  3. On the next three small beads, pray three Hail Marys.
  4. On the chain, pray the Glory Be.
  5. On the large bead announce the first mystery (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful or Glorious) then say the Our Father.
  6. On the next ten beads, pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery/
  7. On the chain, pray the Glory Be.
  8. Repeat steps 5 through 8 for the next four decades.

If you were to ask what object is most emblematic of Catholics a large number of people would say the rosary. We’re familiar with the images: the silently moving lips of women and men in the church and the rosary hanging from their wrist. They truly are a symbolic treasure of Catholicism and something that remains with you throughout your life, being given to you as early as your first communion.

Take a look at our extensive range of Irish rosary beads and Celtic cross necklaces. Included in our collection are Connemara Marble Rosary beads made from the very rare rock that is unique to Ireland. With rosary beads of different sizes and for different ages, you’ll be sure to find the perfect set for you or your loved one this Easter and give them a truly sacred gift to treasure from the Emerald Isle.

How Many Beads Should Be On A Rosary? – WomanShopsWorld

Rosary beads are a Catholic tradition to keep count of the Hail Marys said during the prayer. It’s thought that it dates back to the early Church of the 3rd and 4th centuries when Christians used knotted ropes to count their prayers. Other traditions trace it back to the 13th century when it was given to Saint Dominic as a way of reinstating it as a form of prayer. The truth is never recorded in history, but there is evidence that the monks in the Middle Ages used prayer beading as a way of counting the 150 Psalms that they were required to pray daily.

How Many Beads Does a Rosary Have?

Arosary generally has sets of 10 beads, a decade, with an additional larger bead for each decade. This strand is attached to a shorter strand that also has a crucifix, one large bead, three small marble, and another large bead. A five-decade version would have a total of 59 beads. Priests and nuns might use a fifteen-decade variety. This would also be attached to the shorter strand with the crucifix. These beads might be made from sterling silver, gold, glass, precious gems or pearls.

During times of religious conflict in Europe, single decade rosaries were common. A set of 10  was much easier to hide than a full collection. Instead of a crucifix, the faithful used other symbols that represented aspects of the story of Christ. For example, a nail symbolized the death on the cross. A rooster represented the denial of Peter. These smaller rosaries still helped the person pray, but didn’t call attention to the faith, which helped the devotee avoid legal penalties.

What is the Significance of This Number?

The 15 decades refer to the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Each mystery focuses on an aspect from the life of Mary or Jesus. This helps the person remember the principal events or mysteries in the faith. In 2002, Pope John Paul II added an additional set, bringing the total to 20. Every mystery corresponds to a spiritual fruit or goal, such as humility, patience or faith.

Afull rosary is praying all 15, or 20, rosaries daily, but the minimal amount is 5. Most faithful Catholics only pray a single set of mysteries each day, which is why it has five decades. Using one as part of your prayer life allows you to focus on praying, rather than counting. It keeps the prayers from becoming rote and ritualistic.

Joyful Mysteries – Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays

The joyful mysteries have to do with the birth of Christ and his early childhood:

  • The Annunciation – when the birth of Jesus was announced to Mary
  • The Visitation – when Mary visited Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist
  • The Nativity – the birth of Jesus
  • The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple – the purification ceremony of Jesus as a baby
  • The Finding of Jesus at the Temple – an early episode in Jesus’ life when he lingered at the Temple while his parents returned home. When they realized he was not traveling with them, they returned to the temple to find Jesus talking to the elders.

Sorrowful Mysteries – Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays

The sorrowful mysteries refer to events related to Jesus’ death.

  • Jesus praying in the garden before his death.
  • Jesus being flogged, or beaten, at the hands of the Roman guards.
  • Jesus being crowned with thorns.
  • Jesus carrying his cross to his death.
  • Jesus dying on the cross.

Glorious Mysteries – Prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays

These mysteries relate to Jesus’ resurrection.

  • The resurrection of Christ.
  • The ascension into heaven.
  • The descent of the Holy Spirit.
  • The assumption of Mary. Catholic tradition believes that Mary ascended into heaven.
  • The coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic tradition has the idea that Mary was crowned as Queen of Heaven.

Luminous Mysteries – Prayed on Thursdays

These mysteries refer to moments in Jesus’ life that are considered monumental.

  • The baptism of Jesus
  • The wedding of Cana where Jesus’ performed his first miracle.
  • Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God
  • The transfiguration, in which Jesus becomes radiant with glory on the mountain. Elijah and Moses appear beside him.
  • The Last Supper, when the Eucharist was instituted.

 How are They Used in Prayer?

Although many different prayers can be used while praying, the standard prayers, the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be are the most common. To use one in your daily prayer life, first, make the sign of the cross.

  • Pick up the rosary and hold the crucifix. Say the “Apostles’ Creed.”
  • Move your fingers to the next large bead, say an “Our Father.”
  • On each of the small three marbles, say one “Hail Mary.”
  • On the next large bead, say the “Glory Be.”
  • Move around the longer strand, using one of the mysteries for each decade. Say the “Our Father” with each large bead.
  • Say ten “Hail Marys” while fingering the small beading between the large beading. Because you don’t have to focus on counting the Hail Marys, you can medicate on each Mystery.
  • Once you go through the five decades, conclude with the “Hail Holy Queen” and any other prayer.
  • Conclude your prayer time with the sign of the cross.

Create a Personal Rosary

Although it is most commonly associated with Catholicism, some Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans do use prayer cords. Some Christians wear one as jewelry, but many consider that sacrilege. It is a statement of faith and a sacred object in the Catholic tradition.  Pope St. John XXIII said, “The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection.”

These are a recognized emblem of Catholicism. Rosaries often have personal significance. The cords may be made of special material that resonates with the person praying. AtWoman Shops World, find exquisite beads that have been ethically sourced to craft your own piece. Shop our large assortment of beautiful beads.

What Are the Different Types of Rosaries?

Many of us are familiar with the standard, five decade rosary, the centuries-old favorite devotion of Roman Catholics throughout the world. An ornate crucifix on a strand of rosary beads is an image that most associate with devout and faithful prayer. But sometimes confusion arises with other terms, such as “chaplet” or “Franciscan rosary.” Aren’t they all the same? Well, not quite. The term rosary is used for various sets of prayers counted on beads, but the prayers may vary from those used in the Dominican Rosary – the most widely known form of the rosary. Additionally, there are some rosaries that use the standard prayers, but serve a specific purpose, like the wedding rosary. Here is some clarification on some of those different rosary terms.

Five Decade Rosary

The five decade rosary is the one most people picture when they hear the word rosary. It consists of a crucifix, then a short set of 5 beads, for praying the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and a Glory Be, and then a rosary center, followed by a loop of 5 decades (sets of ten beads) to count the Hail Marys prayed as one meditates on the mysteries of the rosary, with a bead for praying the Our Father between each decade. This traditional rosary (both the physical strand of beads and the prayer) is also known as the Dominican Rosary, due to St. Dominic’s role in encouraging and spreading devotion to the holy rosary at the request of the Blessed Mother.

Franciscan Rosaries

The Franciscan Rosary can refer to two different rosaries associated with the Franciscan order. One is the Franciscan Crown, sometimes called a seven decade rosary. As the name suggests, it consists of 7 decades, rather than 5, plus two additional Hail Mary beads, for a total of 72 Hail Mary beads. When praying the Franciscan Crown rosary, one is to meditate on the seven joys of Mary, one joy per each decade. The seven joys are the Annunciation, the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, the Nativity of Jesus, Epiphany, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the Resurrection of Jesus, and the Assumption & coronation of Mary.

The Franciscan Rosary can also refer to a fifteen-decade rosary. Prior to 2002, when Pope John Paul II instituted the addition of the 5 luminous mysteries, the three sets of the mysteries of the rosary (glorious, sorrowful, and joyful) added up to a total of 15 mysteries. When one would pray a fifteen decade rosary, all fifteen mysteries were meditated upon. One could simply use a standard size rosary and continue around the loop to pray the full fifteen, or now twenty, decades, but a strand of rosary beads consisting of 15 decades of beads was common as well. Franciscan rosary is also a term that may be used to describe a standard five decade rosary with a Franciscan Tau cross in place of the crucifix many are accustomed to seeing.

Chaplets

The word chaplet simply comes from the French word for Rosary, which is chapelet, but the term has now come to be associated with specific sets of prayers, intended to ask the help of Mary, Jesus, or the saints. The standard five decade rosary is in fact a chaplet, but chaplets can vary in size, in pattern or grouping of beads, and in the prayers said on each bead. Typically, the basic prayers, such as the Hail Mary and Our Father are still recited, but chaplets commonly also include prayers to a specific image of Christ or Mary, a particular saint or angel, or a litany. Often, a chaplet is based on a certain intention, and so prayers to the patron saint of that intention or subject will be included.

One of the most common chaplets in recent years is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a chaplet Jesus instructed St. Maria Faustina to pray. It can be said anytime, especially for the dead or dying, but is also often said as part of the Divine Mercy novena which lasts from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday. Another popular chaplet is the St. Joseph Chaplet, a set of prayers asking for the protection and intercession of St. Joseph.

Servite Chaplet or Rosary

Though it can be prayed by anyone, the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary is especially connected to the Servite Order (also called Servants of Mary) and so this unique chaplet is commonly referred to as the Servite Rosary. Rather than decades, it consists of seven sets of seven beads; the sets of seven beads are called ‘weeks.’ Where the Franciscan Crown is focused on the seven joys of Mary, the Servite chaplet is focused specifically on the seven sorrows, or dolors, of Mary. These are the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple, Mary meeting Jesus on the road to Calvary, the Crucifixion, Jesus being taken down from the cross, and the laying of Jesus’s body in the tomb. The intent behind the Servite rosary is a devotion to Mary and the real pain she suffered in watching and sharing in Jesus’s pain, as we are called to share in Jesus’s suffering as well.

Wedding Rosary

The wedding rosary, also called a lasso, or lazo, rosary is an over-sized rosary formed of two rosaries joined together at the center. The lasso rosary will share a crucifix, the first five beads, and the rosary center, with two, rather than one, loops of 5 decades each. The lasso rosary is part of a wedding ceremony, especially in Hispanic culture, where the loops of the rosary are put over the head of the bride and groom by the priest. This is symbolic of the joining of the two in God; their prayer lives will now be joined as well. Since the rosary is to be placed over the heads of both the bride and groom, the beads are typically oversized with larger spaces between beads in order to make the rosary long enough. While the use of the lasso rosary is largely figurative, it can also be used after the wedding for the husband and wife to pray the rosary together.

One Decade Rosary

The one decade rosary is, as it sounds, a rosary consisting of only one decade. They are sometimes called pocket rosaries or tenners. The idea behind the one decade rosary is that it is easy to carry around and use for prayer. After the crucifix on a one decade rosary, the initial 5 beads (for saying the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys and a Glory Be) are commonly represented with only one bead. After the rosary center is one decade, one set of ten beads. Some chaplet instructions come with a one decade rosary, and you can also use a one decade rosary to pray five, or even the full 20 mysteries, by circling around and using the ten beads to count for as many decades as needed. The one decade rosary closely resembles the prayer beads or prayer ropes which have been in use in the Eastern churches (both Catholic and Orthodox) from the earliest years.

There are also a few specific types of one decade rosaries:

Auto Rosary:

This one decade rosary is the same as one described above but with one difference. Rather than a continuous unbroken loop, there is a clasp in the middle of the set of ten beads. This is in place so that the rosary may be hooked around a rearview mirror, and used for prayer in the car. The clasp is also useful for clipping the rosary to the steering wheel while praying so you do not drop the beads while driving.

Rosary Bracelet:

This is a one decade rosary meant to be worn on the wrist. The bracelet varies slightly from the appearance of the standard one decade rosary. The rosary bracelet has one decade plus one Our Father bead, but rather than a center and a dangling crucifix, there will often be a miraculous medal and small, charm sized crucifix or cross hung together, or a cross shaped bead in place of the hanging crucifix. The bracelet is not intended to be a fashion statement but rather a way to easily bring a rosary with you, to be used for prayer. In the Middle Ages and beyond, it was not uncommon for people to hang a rosary from their waist, which they could easily reach for and use to pray with at any time. Many religious orders still do this, but for many other people, hanging a long rosary from their waist would be impractical. However, the rosary bracelet can be worn easily and so it can be used anywhere as a prayer aid.

Rosary Rings and Finger Rosaries

A rosary ring can be an actual wearable ring, or it can also be a small, mini one decade rosary to tuck into a wallet or purse, or on a key ring. These non-wearable rings are also called finger rosaries. Similar to the bracelet, there is a crucifix, followed by ten little bumps or beads for the decade. The idea of a small, easily transportable rosary one could reach for and pray with anytime stands true for the rosary ring as well.

Related

NUMBER OF BEADS IN BEADS

Sacred knowledge attaches great importance to digits , even daily life (choosing a car, apartment, telephone number) depends on the “correct” digits .

How to avoid troubles in life and attract good luck? – Surround yourself with the right numbers.

That is why the number of beads in the rosary is far from accidental, it is determined by the ancient Buddhist tradition and has a secret meaning. Most often there are beads of 18 or 108 beads.

You can also see rosary beads with other numerical symbols: 12, 14, 21, 27, 36, 42, 54 and 1080 beads.

Buy a rosary here.

12 beads

symbolize 108 beads, being the 9th part of 108. Thus, the number 12 has the same hidden meaning as the number 108.

14 beads
Each bead symbolizes the 14 “shields” with which the Bodhisattva Guanyin endows all living things

1.Reflection in all living things of Buddha’s nature, the ability to abandon everything worldly and throw off the bonds of worldly vanity;
2. Protection from fire when fire breaks out around, but cannot burn;
3. Protection from water, when you can swim on water, but you cannot drown;
4. Protection from the spirits, when all the evil sent by the spirits turns against them;
5. Protection from injuries, when the knife that strikes will break rather than harm a living creature;
6. Divine light of the Buddha, which does not allow leaning to the side of evil, since all evil brings harm;
7.The ability to see falsity and lies, which dull hearing and cloud consciousness;
8. Protection on the road, so that all obstacles disappear on any thorny path, and even a thief, if he wanted to rob, could not do it;
9. Protection from debauchery and lust, maintaining purity;
10. Protection from vindictive people who want to harm;
11. Surrounding kind and decent people, alienation from people who are stupid and immoral;
12. Help for childless families who want a son to be born;
13.Helping childless families who want a daughter to be born;
14. Ability to do many good deeds, thus honoring the goddess Guanyin.

18 beads

Symbolize all types of human perception of the universe

The number 18 comes from six senses (taste, sight, hearing, smell, touch, consciousness), each has three manifestations: pleasant, unpleasant and neutral. Thus, a total of 18 types of sensations are obtained.

21 beads

The number 21 denotes 21 stages of Buddha formation: 10 stages of ascension of a bodhisattva, 10 circles of rebirth and one highest stage – formation of Buddha



beads The number 27 symbolizes 27 signs of perfect wisdom: 18 of them are qualities that a person comes to through learning, and 9 of them symbolize a path that does not require learning

18 steps, for which you need to learn:

1.Sincerity; 2. Ability to act in accordance with independently comprehended wisdom; 3. Ability to work hard in learning; 4. Ability to see the truth, essence; 5. Ability to meditate; 6. The beginning of the path to “miraculous insight”; 7. Getting rid of worldly desires; 8. Ability to follow the right path; 9. Entering the first path of karma;
10. Completion of the first path of karma; 11. Entering the second path of karma; 12. Completion of the second path of karma; 13. Entering the third path of karma; 14. Completion of the third path of karma;
14.The first stage of parinirvana; 15. Second stage of parinirvana; 16. The third stage of parinirvana; 17. The fourth stage of parinirvana; 18. The highest stage of becoming that can be learned.

9 steps that do not require teaching, given from birth:

1. Readiness to perceive the truth; 2. Purity of thoughts; 3. Striving for death for the sake of liberation; 4. The finiteness of the life path; 5. Rebirth; 6. Ability to contemplate; 7. Moral maturity and virtue; 8. Liberation of the mind from illusions; nine.The highest degree of liberation.

36 beads

36 beads usually symbolize 108 beads, being the third of 108. Thus, 36 has the same hidden meaning as 108.

42 beads

The number 42 symbolizes the levels of transformation of the Bodhisattva into Buddha:

10 degrees of the ascent of the Bodhisattva, 10 kinds of good deeds on the path of perfection, 10 acquired graces, 10 steps of the Bodhisattva’s ascent, one step of the Bodhisattva’s enlightenment, who had one step before the Buddha, and, finally, the stage of miraculous insight, at which the bodhisattva became a Buddha.

The stage of insight of the Bodhisattva, who had only one stage before the Buddha, is also called the stage of “true insight.” It is believed that at this stage the bodhisattva has already received all the necessary knowledge of the Buddha, but nevertheless, before he fully becomes a Buddha, he needs to rise one more level higher.
And the Bodhisattva rises to the highest level of “miraculous insight” when he cuts off all the knowledge he has received, thereby receiving the light of true insight.

54 beads

The number 54 symbolizes 54 stages of the bodhisattva’s training on the path to becoming a Buddha, of which 10 stages of faith, 10 stages of stay, 10 good deeds, 10 zeal, 10 lands and 4 roots of good

10 steps of faith:

1) awakening of “pure” faith in the teachings of Buddha; 2) memorization of everything comprehended; 3) diligence in advancing on the path of a bodhisattva; 4) focus on thinking about the bodhisattva path; 5) gaining wisdom to comprehend the true essence of things and phenomena; b) taking vows; 7) the direction of previously acquired virtues to achieve enlightenment; 8) protection from earthly desires; 9) the fight against attachments to everything earthly; 10) keeping vows.

10 stages of stay:
1) striving to become a buddha; 2) comprehension of the “emptiness” of things; 3) performing good deeds; 4) comprehension of the relativity and conventionality of all things and phenomena; 5) comprehension of the true essence of things and phenomena through the performance of good deeds; 6) the acquisition of the highest wisdom – “prajna”; 7) reaching such a level of enlightenment when it is no longer possible to return to any passed level; 8) gaining resistance to influences from false teachings; 9) belief in the possibility of becoming a buddha; 10) comprehension of the fact that nothing is born and does not die.

10 acts:
1) material assistance to other people; 2) help with advice; 3) tolerance for other people’s views and actions; 4) selflessness in serving others; 5) correct understanding of your duty; 6) appearance in front of others in the form in which they will be reborn in the “country of the Buddha”; 7) freedom from attachments to two extreme views – the existence of things and the non-existence of things; 8) the acquisition of virtues, which are difficult to acquire; 9) preaching and spreading the teachings of the Buddha; 10) comprehension of the essence of the “middle path”.

10 zeal:
1) saving other living beings in secret from them; 2) an unbreakable belief in the truth of Buddhist teachings; 3) preaching and spreading the teachings of all buddhas without exception; 4) visiting buddhas in their places of residence and serving them; 5) blessing other living beings; 6) endowing other living beings with unlimited benefits; 7) vision in other living beings of all dharma worlds; 8) comprehension of the true essence of all things and phenomena: 9) liberation from all attachments without exception; 10) liberation from any dependence on things and phenomena.

10 lands:
1) the joy of comprehending the true essence of being; 2) purity as a result of liberation from all “impurities” of the earthly world; 3) radiation of the “light of wisdom”; 4) deepening of perfect knowledge of the true essence of being; 5) the feeling of overcoming the last difficulties on the path to enlightenment; 6) the manifestation of perfect knowledge; 7) the feeling of overcoming the limitations of both Hinayana and Mahayana; 8) firm conviction in the truth of the “middle path” of the Buddha; 9) the feeling of possessing all-pervading wisdom, which makes it possible to preach the teachings of the Buddha without any hindrance; 10) feeling like a cloud, which irrigates all living beings with the teachings of the Buddha.

4 roots of good are 4 truths that must be learned before entering the path of vision:
1) Getting rid of the darkness of worldly vanity and preserving light in the heart;
2) Development of the mind to the highest point;
3) Firmness of character and determination;
4) Reaching the peak of suffering, compassion for all living things.

108 beads
Symbolize 108 types of “passions”, that is, sensations that a person can receive from the universe

The number 108, according to Buddhism, symbolizes three states of contemplation and liberation from 108 passions and irritations (sadness, irritation, anxiety, longing, depression, grief, annoyance, grief, delusion, passion, temptation, suffering, etc.e). It is believed that, having freed from them, the body and soul will be able to achieve the state of nirvana.

These passions affect in a person “6 indriyas” or 6 sense organs: smell, touch, hearing, sight, taste and the sixth sense (consciousness). At the same time, the sensations themselves can be pleasant, unpleasant and neutral, thus 18 sensations are obtained, which in turn can lead a person to a state of bliss, or, conversely, alienate him from him. All these 36 sensations exist in the past, present and future, so we get 108 “passions and influences”.

Otherwise 108 beads can be interpreted as 108 steps on the path to enlightenment.

1080 beads
Symbolize 1080 passions and temptations in ten worlds

Ten worlds are a figurative description of the states of the human soul:

1. The world of hell; 2. The world of hungry ghosts; 3. The world of cattle; 4. The world of the demon Asura; 5. The world of man; 6. The world of the sky; 7. The world of listening to the voice; 8. The world of independently going to enlightenment; 9. The world of bothisattvas; 10. The world of the buddhas.

90,000 How many beads are in an Orthodox rosary?

In Orthodoxy, rosary is one of the most famous attributes of faith, with which it is easier to pray.They were originally used by monks, but today they are also popular with priests and lay people.

What is a rosary for

Classic Orthodox rosary beads are made of wood and represent for beads embedded in a circle, the number of which can be very different – from 10 to 1000 .
The main thing for which the rosary is needed is to help the believer in concentration on prayer , as well as to fix the number of short prayers read and bows made.Actually, the very word “rosary” comes from the Slavic word “account” .
In terms of concentration, the rosary helps the believer to gather his thoughts, calm down, tune in to inner work and perform his prayer in an even rhythm and a certain number of times.
By turning over the beads of the rosary, the believer can more easily concentrate in thoughts and words on God and His saints, and not be distracted by external stimuli and circumstances. That is why believers with rosary beads can be seen on the street, in transport, where such concentration, sometimes, is extremely necessary.
As for fixing the number of prayers read, this is done in cases where the believer needs to say any prayer a certain number of times. In this case, in order not to be constantly distracted by the count, a person simply uses a rosary with the appropriate number of beads, for example, 50. And then, saying a prayer once, he separates one bead from the rest, and so on in turn. When all the beads are over, it means that the prayer has been read the required number of times.
That is why, in the Orthodox rosary, the number of beads plays an important role, which must be discussed separately.

Number of beads in rosary

Answering the question, how many beads are in Orthodox prayer beads, it is worth noting that their number can vary, so they are all different. In addition, the beads themselves are of at least three types.
Today, the most common type of rosary in Orthodoxy is a rosary – a rosary closed in a circle with a different number of beads, up to 1000. The shape of the circle is not accidental, because it is a traditional symbol of eternity, endless existence, as well as the continuity of prayer in religion.In addition to the rope, there are also such types of rosary as ladder and ladder.
Regarding the number of beads, we note that there are wooden (as well as other materials) rosary with 10, 12, 20, 30, 33, 50, 100, 150 and more beads. As a rule, such quantities of beads are selected for the convenience of reading a particular prayer, although, on the other hand, there may be a certain symbolism in this.
So, for example, 33 beads mean the number of years of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ .But 150 beads are more often reminiscent of the number of sacred psalms. At the same time, for example, 10 or 12 beads are just a multiple, convenient for reading a particular prayer.
In general, speaking about the rosary, it is important to note that their meaning, of course, is not in the number of beads, but in a person’s appeal to God – serious, thoughtful, concentrated . And so that such an appeal succeeds and this religious attribute can help.
If you are interested in a variety of rosary beads, including wooden ones, for 100, 50, 30, 20 and 10 beads, you can purchase them at any time in the Letopis online store.

Rosary catalog

Prayer beads for Yungdrung Bon practices, correct choice and use

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If you are wondering what a rosary is, how to weave them, how many rosary beads are in Orthodox rosaries, their meaning, how to pray correctly and more – you can learn from our article.

What are rosary beads for and how are they used by Orthodox Christians

The main function of the rosary is the convenience in counting prayers that are pronounced by Christians. During prayer, you should not be distracted by extraneous thoughts or noises. A true believer offers the words of prayer with full dedication, renouncing everything earthly.Christian rosary helps to focus on the words being spoken and not be distracted by counting prayers already read.

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Another purpose of the rosary is a constant reminder that you need to strive to cleanse your soul, do good, ask God for forgiveness for your voluntary or involuntary sins.

The rosary worn on the wrist serves as a good reminder that prayers are said by believers not only in the morning and in the evening, but also during the day.

Types of rosary

The most common nowadays are circular wooden rosary with a cross (for Christians), or with a tassel or oval bead (for Muslims). Among them, there are also differences in length and shape. On the clergy you can see long rosary beads around the neck, which are worn like beads, rosary beads on the hand, or loose wooden rosary.Some people like to wear this accessory like a bracelet on their wrist, there are also those who hang a rosary in the car on the mirror.

What else can the rosary be used for and how to use it

During the ascension of prayer, the rosary serves not only to count prayers, but also help to tune in and relax. Calm concentration on prayer clears the mind of worldly worries and worries. When the pads of the fingers touch the smooth beads, the believer is immersed in a peaceful state. Fingering the rosary, they learn to get rid of bad thoughts and anger, they accustom themselves to patience.

Many who first saw or picked up a rosary, wonder about their purpose. Initially, they were used during ritual actions – counting prayers or bows read. After reading one prayer or making a bow, they moved one bead, counting the action performed. Therefore, the rosary began to be called that.

Orthodox rosary beads have a strictly defined number of beads. Each bead can have its own size. So it will be more convenient to understand the required number of readings for each prayer included in the cycle.

In order to count the prayers, beads are touched with the fingers of the left hand at the same time as a new prayer is offered. A single bead corresponds to one prayer. When, sorting out small beads, they reach a large one, they stop and say the prayer “Virgin Mary, Rejoice” or “It is worthy to eat,” then the Jesus Prayer. After the prescribed number of prayers has been read, they finish praying and read “Our Father”. Different prayers are read on the rosary.

Over time, the rosary began to be used for other purposes.

  1. The rosary was used by itinerant ascetics for a relaxing massage that helped relieve fatigue.
  2. Fiddling with the rosary soothes and relieves stress.
  3. The benefits of tactile touch to the rosary should not be overlooked. Massaging the fingertips, where the nerve endings are located, has a positive effect on the health of the internal organs.

In esotericism, beads are used to correct and fix certain programs. This seemingly purely church instrument for prayer can serve as a talisman designed to cleanse the aura and attract positive energy.

For more information on how to use the rosary, see here:

How to turn over the rosary correctly?

Correct, well-coordinated work of internal organs and systems largely depends on the correct rhythm – the body is a single whole and all of its work depends on the given rhythm and tempo. So with the help of the rosary, you can choose and set the optimal rhythm of work for him – this will have the most positive effect on all his work. Developing hands and dissenting opinions.

Working out the fingers and their phalanges with the help of regular beads is an excellent method to restore their work after such pathological changes as arthrosis or arthritis, fracture or surgical intervention of a surgeon.Regarding the separate opinion of some experts, the rosary perfectly helps to restore the functional work of the hands and fingers, muscles and joints for everyone who works at the computer. Among other things, the rosary helps to restore memory – a slow, unhurried sorting of elements of the rosary will allow you to concentrate on a specific issue and improve memory, brain function, the ability to memorize in the right, correct sequence. What is most interesting, according to doctors, is that memorization occurs not only at the level of the brain, but also at the level of muscle memory.

How many beads do Orthodox rosary beads have

Orthodox rosary beads can be easily distinguished by the number of links, which is a multiple of ten – 50, 100, 150, and so on. The material is usually leather (flap). Wool knots can be used. Rosary beads made of wood and stones came to Orthodoxy from other cultures.

Rosary beads have long been one of the most famous attributes in most religions. There are some differences in the number of beads. You can often see beautifully crafted rosary beads made of ivory, natural stones, precious woods or decorative glass.

Rosary beads for Yungdrung Bon practices: how to choose and use correctly

The rosary that Bonpo use in their practice is called in Tibetan “trengwa”

(treng wa) or in Sanskrit
“mala”
( mala).

They consist of one hundred and eight small beads and one large

, which is called “head bead”, “Lama bead” or simply “head”. Also, the rosary may have additional spacer beads, on which, in turn, so-called “counters” can be attached – other beads, threads, metal objects of various shapes, etc.etc. – used to count hundreds, thousands, tens and hundreds of thousands of different practices.

Rosary beads in the hands of Rinchen Tenzin Rinpoche

What the rosary means

The “head” on the rosary symbolizes the root teacher as well as the Buddha. It is for this reason that they never step over the “head” when turning over the rosary when reciting mantras – when they reach it, they unfold and start counting in the other direction.

The thread on which the beads are strung symbolizes the eighty-four thousand teachings of the Buddhas or “84,000 doors to Bon.”Differing beads, dividers (there are usually six of them) are symbols of the so-called “Six Taming Deities”, one in each of the six samsara worlds.

Mala represent a predestined connection with the Enlightened Beings. The thread symbolizes the 84,000 doors in Bon. The head bead symbolizes the root teacher. The counting beads symbolize the Six Conquering Shen, the six enlightened ones who tame the six realms of cyclic existence.

Lishu Taring, Dzogchen master of the 8th century

Rinchen Tenzin Rinpoche, teacher and practitioner of Dzogchen, gives another explanation: “The head on the rosary symbolizes the Buddhas who came and gave teachings in this kalpa (that is, Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddha Tonpa Shenraba) and all the other beads are symbols of the buddhas who were in the past and will come in the future. “

What materials are rosary beads made of

For thousands of years, rosary beads have been made from a variety of materials – grains and fruits, wood, clay, precious and semiprecious stones, as well as horn and bone.

Modern teachers of the Bon tradition agree that a rosary made from tree seeds is the best for any practice. This is due, in particular, to the fact that the Tibetan word “drebu”

means both
“seed, fruit”
and
“fruit, result of [practice]”
.

You can also use a rosary made of any kind of wood, mineral or amber (petrified wood resin). If the practitioner is confident that he will not be too proud of his rosary or have affection for them, then he can opt for precious or semi-precious stones.

But the best rosary is the rosary from the fruits of the Bodhi tree

. They are absolutely suitable for any mantras and practices related to all four types of activity. There is no need to look for a crystal rosary for reciting the Manjushri mantra or from a rudraksha for the practice of angry yidams – the mala from the fruit of the Bodhi tree is suitable for everything.

Rosary made of ivory, horn and other materials of animal origin (including pearls, precious stones of animal origin) are recommended to be avoided. Rosary with the image of skulls and other similar images is also not worth using for practice.

Consecration of the rosary

Before using the new rosary, the Bonpo practitioner brings them to the Lama for consecration. It is believed that the mentor must bless the rosary, as well as remove energy pollution that can be carried by the materials from which they are made, and which can create some kind of obstacle to getting the result from the practice.

How to hold and use the rosary

The rosary is held in the left hand

, placed between the thumb and forefinger.

When reciting mantras or making prostrations, the beads are shifted one by one with the thumb in the direction of towards you

. This symbolizes that the practitioner asks for a blessing and receives it. Moving the beads away from you is considered a bad sign.

One recitation of a mantra or one prostration – one shift.

Having passed a full circle on the rosary and reaching the “head”, the rosary is turned over and a new countdown begins. It is impossible to “step over” the middle bead symbolizing Buddha or Teacher.

The Teaching speaks of the inextricable union of two aspects called method and wisdom: the method (practice) must always be supported by wisdom (correct views). The thumb that moves the beads symbolizes method, and the index finger, on which the rosary rests, symbolizes wisdom. Thus, with each movement of the beads, we combine method and wisdom, ensuring their unity.

After completing the session, the rosary is gently rubbed in the hands and blown on them, additionally sanctifying and blessing them with the power of the recited mantras.

You can also bless yourself with beads by touching the crown of your head, just as you do with books and teachings.

A woman holds a rosary in her hands during practice. Separators with “counters” are visible.

How to count?

Despite the fact that there are one hundred and eight beads in the rosary, one circle of passage counts as one hundred

.Thus, the practitioner insures himself against missing beads.

Many Bon practices need to be performed one hundred thousand times (for example, one hundred thousand times reciting one hundred-syllable mantra or repeating guru yoga one hundred thousand times). Thus, even if some beads were accidentally missed, the “extra” eight beads will ensure that the required number has been collected.

How to properly handle your rosary

Rosary is not a decoration, but a sacred object

, intended exclusively for spiritual practice and giving strength and blessing to its owner.Therefore, the Bonpos treat their malas the same way they treat books and texts – with the utmost respect. They are kept clean, they are not placed on the floor, they are not thrown, and in no case do they step over them or sit on them. Also, they are not left unattended and are not given into the hands of strangers.

You can only touch the floor with the rosary when the practitioner makes prostrations. In this case, they are either in the hand for counting and together with it they are lowered to the ground when prostrating, or for convenience they are placed on the left next to them.

Taking your rosary with you to bed is considered disrespectful. While sleeping, they can be placed on the altar or on some elevated, clean space – for example, on a bookshelf.

The rosary can be worn around the neck, on the wrist or in the pocket of your clothing. Bonpos usually carry their malas with them at all times – they are believed to act as a form of protection. They are also designed to constantly remind us of our practice.

Notes:

1.
Bodhi Tree
(lat.Ficus religiosa) is an evergreen tree, a species of the Ficus genus of the Mulberry family (Moraceae), growing in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, southwestern China and the countries of the Indochina peninsula. 2.
Four types of activity (deeds)
– peaceful, angry, augmentation and power. 3. “The unity of method and wisdom means that they are inseparable at all times. In practice, this means that the method must always be comprehended in the context of wisdom, and wisdom in the context of the method; in the absence of one of them, both are absent ”- Dalai Lama XIV

The article was written using sources:
1.Oral instructions from Khenpo Geshe Rinchen Tenzin Rinpoche, lama of the Bon tradition (2015-2020, Moscow). 2. Oral instructions from Latri Khenpo Nima Dakpa Rinpoche, lama of the Bon tradition, teacher and spiritual leader of the Yeru Bon center (2020). 3. Nine Ways Website: Ancient Wisdom from the Yungdrung Bon Tradition – ravencypresswood.com

Personal Prayer Beads

Creation of rosary beads for personal use has always been of particular importance. Esotericists believe that this is a powerful talisman, united into one whole from many beads.They believe that he is constantly in motion, has a beneficial effect on the movement of force into the chakras, cleans the aura, makes it possible to use cosmic energy, draw strength from prayer and from the world around him.

The material from which the beads are made, in this case, is also of great importance, since it is able to accumulate the accumulated energy of prayers or mantras, as a result of which it has a beneficial effect on the psyche and energy field of the wearer.

How to choose the right rosary

When choosing a rosary, think about how and where you will use them, how many times to say prayers with them.The size of the attribute depends on this. Be sure to hold the string you want to purchase in your hands. It should lie nicely in your hand, you should like the color. Orthodox rosary beads are a very personal subject, they should evoke only positive emotions in you. The most common in our country are wooden ones. When choosing them, you can take into account what each type of tree bears, based on the energy of the breed:

  • Oak is a very powerful tree energetically, you can feel it right away, you just have to pick up a product made of its wood.Oak beads give a person their vitality, increase confidence, and bring longevity.
  • Ash is considered a conductor of heavenly knowledge, beads from it help to understand, realize the human divine essence.
  • Juniper protects, protects the owner from any negativity, from otherworldly evil spirits.
  • Hornbeam – a tree of enlightenment, knowledge. Hornbeads help to understand divine texts, their sacred meaning.
  • Plum will help you learn meekness, patience, find joy in serving the Savior.

It is also worth noting that the Orthodox rosary very quickly gains the energy of the owner, so they can only be given new ones. An exception is the gift of a spiritual mentor to a disciple.

Who can use the rosary

The rosary is used everywhere in monasticism to count bows or prayers. Despite this, their meaning should be considered more broadly. Not surprisingly, the rosary is called a spiritual sword.

One of the most important elements of the Orthodox rosary is the cross, which is endowed with very powerful and strong symbolism.This is both a reminder of the torment accepted by the savior on the cross, and a weapon of redemption, and a symbol of immortality. For believers, the cross is the personification of victory over death, sins and the devil.

For monks, this is not just a calculating instrument, but a reminder of prayer and repentance. This is one of the items that help in communication with God.

There are no prohibitions and canons limiting the use of rosaries only in monastic life. However, there are generally accepted restrictions for their use in the world.

The believer must receive the blessing of the clergyman before using the rosary.

It is impossible to identify this tool for prayer with a fashionable attribute, and even more so to use it for demonstrative superiority over other people. Rosary beads should not serve as a symbol of pride and wealth if they are made of expensive materials. The use of such a rosary is a pharisee. Shepherds advise to use this spiritual tool discreetly and keep it away from prying eyes.

Rosary beads – a fashionable accessory

If a rosary is bought as a stylish accessory or for relaxation or stress relief, then they can be very different and are chosen according to the price or taste of the person. They may contain various amulets, large stones or beads. If the rosary is not used for religious purposes, then everyone wants to learn how to twist it. The art of rosary rotation is not difficult at all, but it takes time nonetheless. We recommend that you look at several simple ways to rotate the rosary, and be sure to watch the video, because what you see is perceived much easier than the information read.

Form of rosary

Today rosary is a closed thread with balls strung on it. Small “grains” are divided into dozens of large beads. The most common number of rosary beads is fifty or one hundred. The number of “seeds” for monastic prayers can even reach a thousand.

In ancient Russia, rosary beads were of a different shape. They were made in the form of a closed ladder. “Steps” ladders were made of wood, then sheathed them with material or leather. Such a device was called a “ladder” or “ladder”, that is, a ladder.They identified him with the ladder of salvation going into the sky. The closed leaflet was associated with incessant eternal prayer.

Orthodox rosary – how to use the laity

The rosary is designed to remind believers of tireless prayer, for this purpose they can be carried with you in your pocket, periodically touching smooth beads and turning your thoughts to the Lord. There are very small ropes: ten beads. They can be worn discreetly and twisted like a ring on your finger.

Praying with a rosary is very simple: when you touch one bead, one prayer is said.You can say any short prayer, for example, to the Lord God, your Holy One, the Queen of Heaven – there is a huge variety of options. It is important to do prayer with a soul open to the Lord. When you touch a bead larger than the rest, a special prayer is read, such as Our Father or the Symbol of Faith.

Repeated recitation of the words of prayer provides an opportunity to disconnect from the mundane, get away from idle thoughts, touch the Almighty through prayer words, and generate something useful, kind, good in the soul.

Orthodox rosary

Brojanica

This is the Serbian version of Orthodox rosary. It is a simplified and more compact version of the rope and is similar to home sewing. The brody is worn on the arm in the form of a bracelet. It is made mainly of leather, woolen threads, dense fabric. The required number of knots is 33. This number is associated with the number of years Jesus Christ lived on Earth.

The peculiarity of the rosary is that the cord is connected by an equilateral metal or wooden cross.Very often this cross is made of precious material and a small icon is engraved on it. Folk traditions say that you cannot buy a brojanet or make it yourself. It should be presented.

Why do we need

Let’s figure out what Orthodox prayer beads are for. First of all, it should be noted that in any religion, a common practice is a prayer appeal, where some texts should be recited several times in a row, which in turn requires some order of counting.

Best article for you, go to: Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians

This is exactly the function that religious beads perform, that is, it is quite simple to track the number of prayers spoken simply by fingering the attribute in your hands. In principle, from a religious point of view, this is the only purpose of such an object.

Vervitsa

This type of rosary has its roots in the distant past. They represent a rope with knots of various sizes tied on it.This option is considered the main type of Christian rosary. It is the vervitsa that is offered to be bought by believers in parish shops.

This rosary is woven in a special way using a large piece of woolen ribbon. 100 knots are made, which are divided every ten or twenty-five small ones by one larger knot. Sometimes the number of nodules reaches a thousand, and sometimes there are only ten or thirty-three. Such “little ropes” are worn on the hand.

Features of rosary

If your rosary is touched by another person, then he takes on a lot of trouble!

One who chants on a rosary made of wood gets a benefit. The one who repeats on a rosary receives many times more benefit from the stone. Anyone who repeats on a rosary made of silver receives 100 times more benefit. One who repeats on a rosary of gold receives 1000 times more benefit.

It is best to buy your rosary on Thursday or Sunday. You cannot buy on Tuesday. Making your own rosary is best on Wednesday, Saturday or Friday.

Rosary beads made of plastic, bread, artificially grown stones will not bring happiness. Rosary, bought or made on Monday, will root in a person’s life.

Gift beads may not work properly. It is bad if the threads in the rosary are the same color as the stones (black to white, blue to green, etc.). It is best if the threads in the rosary are natural.

Rosary beads like to live with the owner, so it is better to always carry them with you. The evil spirits are afraid of amber rosary like fire (it is better to hang it in the car).It is best to use crystal or juniper beads for work in the astral plane.

For subjugating devils, brownies, spirits, etc. use a rosary made of shungite or obsidian. A rosary made of a tiger, bull or falcon’s eye frighten other guardian angels.

The usual fingering of the rosary restores the nervous system. A rosary made of pearls is not recommended for men.

Rosary beads placed under the pillow show prophetic dreams. The rosary can be worn in your pocket, around your neck, tied in a belt, or wound around your hand.

Only a highly spiritual person can work with a rosary with two hands at once. In the east, it is believed that rosary beads bring misfortune. Rosary beads do not like the sun (except for amber).

Stone beads require timely cleaning and charging. For this, a druse made of amethyst, rauchtopaz, citrine or rock crystal is ideal, on which the rosary is laid out, it can also be cleaned with water.

Lestovka

This species belongs to the Old Believer’s rosary. They consist of a tape connected in a ring, consisting of special loops.Paper rolled into thick rollers is inserted into these butterfly loops. A short prayer is written on each sheet of paper. For example, it could be “Lord, have mercy.” It is believed that such rosary beads help believers to completely surrender to prayer and renounce earthly affairs.

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov was often depicted on icons with a ladder.

The leaflets were also used by Sergius of Radonezh, Juliania Lazarevskaya, Erasmus of Kiev-Pechersky, Seraphim Vyritsky. The leaflet next to these saints symbolizes the spiritual ascent from the mortal earth to heaven.

Do not in any case treat the rosary as a means of decoration – use it as a decoration on the body, in the car or at home. Rosary beads are an instrument of prayer, not a beautiful accessory.

Rules for working with rosary

During work, the rosary should only touch the hand. A person should not flaunt his rosary, because ghosts, demons, devils, brownies, are always eager to steal the fruits of a person’s work (recharge from the rosary). Since entities take away the fruits of a person’s work, it must be read in secret.

The rosary should be stored in a special bag, casket, deep in the closet or put in front of the icon. You cannot work with a defiled hand, with a naked body, with a headdress, or while talking with someone.

The woman should have her hair pulled back. You cannot work during the menstrual period. You cannot work lying down, thinking about something else, sneezing, yawning, hiccupping, coughing, etc.

Avoid repetition at night (only as a last resort). At the end of the repetition cycle, under no circumstances should the carrier bead be touched.Otherwise, all that has been said will dissipate.

A person should not chant impure (in alcoholic or drug intoxication). It is undesirable to repeat in clothes that are buttoned up or on which many buttons are buttoned, but it is also impossible to be naked, so it is better to refuse a shirt and jacket.

While working with the rosary, a person should not feel hungry or thirsty. It is undesirable to repeat in shoes (better barefoot, “closer to the ground”).

Do not repeat when traveling in transport.

You cannot read while walking, laughing, looking back and forth.

Cannot be read in open space.

It is undesirable to repeat with a mind or heart full of doubts.

You cannot work with a rosary if there is a cat or a dog nearby (during work, close your pet in another room)

If for some reason a person accidentally drops the rosary on the floor, then it is better not to start the planned practice today. When entering, you must not step over the threshold of the room in which you are planning to work with your left foot.

If the rosary comes in contact with something nasty, then it is imperative to wash them before sunset. You cannot work while reflecting in a mirror. You cannot work on the bed you sleep on. The rosary should not be given from hand to hand.

Muslim prayer beads

Muslim rosary in the hands of Berdyev

Tasbeeh

Living in a country where world religions intertwine, we involuntarily plunge into a mysterious world where voices of beliefs sing in unison, but the voice of Islam will always intrigue with its special mystery and unknown.It doesn’t matter where we are at this moment – walking in the park, queuing at the cashier’s desk, or sipping coffee in a cozy restaurant. Each time we breathe in particles of the distant but alluring East, colliding with the picturesque architecture of temples, graceful weaving on the pages of the Koran, visiting where the peace and tranquility of the house is guarded by shamail … Often, Muslims’ hands are wrapped around a magnificent decoration – rosary. But is it a decoration? Do you know what their purpose is?

Muslim rosary is a series of beads, knots or grains strung on a thread that connects them together, forming a ring, which is divided into three equal links (depending on the number of beads).At the ends of the thread you can often see pendants, often – fluffy silky brushes. Classic Muslim rosary consists of 99 beads. This number is not taken from the void – this is the number of names of Allah. More often, there are products of 11 and 33 beads, separated by a pendant or a kind of lock – a larger ball. Such beads are considered traditional.

An interesting fact is that any number of strung beads is divisible by the same number – 11. This is due to the fact that the Muslim prayer consists of 11 parts: intention, standing on your feet, giving praise to Allah, kneeling down, prostration, words of prayer , repeating the name of God, the statement that there is no God but Allah, greeting, repeating the names of Allah, repeating parts of the prayer together with the imam.

By the way, the Muslim rosary has a special name – “tasbih”, which means “to repeat”, “to remember”. Quite often they are jokingly called “a whip for the shaitan”.

At first glance, it might seem that these rows of perfectly polished balls are just a decoration, but they are not. Tasbih has a history of thousands of years. As one of the hadiths narrates, the Prophet Muhammad saw how a lonely woman sitting on the river bank used apricot pits for prayer, and at the moment it is believed that the Prophet, having approved this occupation, allowed the use of beads in the future.Also, the works of famous Muslim scholars are devoted to the permissibility of touching the rosary during prayer.

As you might guess, the main function of tasbih is ritual. Fingered with dexterous fingers, they create a certain mood, set the pace of prayer, serve to count the recited dhikrs (praises of Allah), and contribute to spiritual concentration when performing namaz. At the moment, beads are an integral part of every believer.
But the advantages of this ingenious invention are not limited to this.Even in ancient times, people noticed that fingering the rosary promotes spiritual peace, relieves stress and concentration of attention, as well as stress, neuroses and insomnia disappear with incredible speed. The rosary is also widely used to suppress sudden outbursts of anger, which is necessary for a devout Muslim. Such an amazing property is understandable – there are nerve endings connected to the brain centers at our fingertips, and the impact on these points has a positive effect on the psyche, provides good health.

Surprisingly, such a compact and simple invention is capable of influencing physical health: it plays the role of a kind of massage not only for hands, but for the whole body. Tasbih are able to restore finger motility after injuries, relieve pain in arthritis (or even completely cure), and stabilize blood pressure. Rosary beads are just a treasure for people suffering from weather changes and magnetic storms, because they develop the resistance of the circulatory system to these phenomena.

Islam, with its inherent brightness of colors and splendor of forms, rewards the rosary with another function – an aesthetic one. A person who touches tasbih attracts the attention of others, arouses interest in his person as a serious and spiritual person, as well as in Islam directly, because beads are an indicator of religious status. Nowadays, they are becoming a fashionable accessory for every believer.

It is worth remembering that the interest in rosary is also due to the rich variety of materials from which they are made.It can be precious and semi-precious stones, minerals, rocks, as well as wood, leather and even wool. Undoubtedly, rosary, carved from passionate coral, delicate turquoise, sun amber or royal amethyst serve as an indicator of a person’s material wealth, but this is not their primary goal. Microparticles of the material that get on the skin when touching tasbih are absorbed by the body and provide it with the necessary substances, trace elements, essential oils, minerals and metals.

The benefits of beads cannot be overestimated, and the merits cannot be measured in a certain amount. Undoubtedly, tasbih is a spark of faith through time, the focus of energy and health at our fingertips.

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Orthodox prayer beads and their meaning and quantity. What is a rosary for? How many beads are in the rosary of different religions

The Orthodox faith is a special gift of the people, which it carries from generation to generation.This religion is surrounded by many secrets and traditions. In addition to the classic items of Orthodoxy, such as icons, there is another important Orthodox amulet – the rosary. This product is not as widespread as Muslim rosary, but it has its own history. Magnificent, exquisite handmade rosary, undoubtedly, will delight every Orthodox person, they have a special power, endowed with a special meaning. Turning to history, we found out that this item had a special purpose – it was used to count prayers during services.At present, there is also a household purpose – as a talisman, decoration, souvenir.

Appearance

For many years, our ancestors prayed to God with the help of such an invention as a rosary, which were made by hand. Small beads, grains strung on a thread, alternate after a dozen. With the help of them, people count the number of prayers, each believer has a rosary in his arsenal. The rosary is made in the shape of a circle, it symbolizes eternity. When praying, a person unites with her.In the circle of the item, there is an incredibly beautiful brush with a cross, which remind a person of fulfilling the commandments of Christ. The number of beads is different, ranging from ten to a thousand. Every ten is separated by a knot.

The purpose of Orthodox prayer beads

Initially, you might think that the rows of balls are just decoration, but this is not so. Their main function is ritual. During the sorting of the rosary in the hands, a person develops a good mood, a spiritual state, peace and bliss comes.This invention has a fairly good effect not only on the hands and fingers, but also on the health of the body. The rosary is good for restoring finger motility after injuries, helps with pain, stabilizes pressure. They are a lifesaver for those people who are very sensitive to magnetic storms. This is a great accessory for an Orthodox person who observes traditions and knows how to read prayers from a rosary.

To whom to give?

Orthodox rosary beads can be presented to your relatives, loved ones, loved by people.High-quality and at an affordable price can be purchased on our website. There is a large selection of finished products that are handmade in compliance with all the rules and morals. The rosary is made from such materials as: gold, wood, leather.

When choosing this accessory, we are guided by several rules:

· preference should be given to products with a cross or an icon, for example, such options as “”, “Mother of God”, “Virgin Mary”, etc .;

· do not confuse with the Orthodox, here the beads alternate after a dozen;

· the material is not so important, for example, you can order inexpensive ones that will look very attractive;

· Consider personal preferences, according to them, you can order a rosary of a certain type and configuration.

Carry faith, health, energy, which begins from our fingers. Every Orthodox person will be pleased with the gift. This present will be the best recognition in your sincere feelings, it will express care, tenderness, love, friendship without words. There is no need to be afraid to give Orthodox prayer beads even to those who do not really believe in God. After all, such a product is a special helper and amulet in all affairs and undertakings, it will protect from troubles, save from misfortunes and help to find good luck, success, joy of being, harmony with the world, and also strengthen health.

Rosary beads are an integral attribute of many religious traditions. At least, there are Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim rosary beads. Christians are on a par with them. The latter, in turn, are subdivided into several types, in accordance with confessional characteristics and the scheme of the device. In this article, we will consider specifically the Orthodox rosary as the most widespread subject within the borders of the Russian-speaking world.

The purpose of the rosary

The first thing to say is that prayer is a common practice in every religion.At the same time, it is customary to pronounce some texts many times in a row, which requires a certain counting system. It is this role that special beads, called rosary beads, play: by fingering them in your hands, it is quite easy to keep track of the number of prayers spoken. In fact, this is the only strictly religious purpose of this object. And Orthodox prayer beads are no exception.

Sometimes, however, some of their types are used as religious decoration. For example, this often happens in Catholic parishes, where rosary beads are hung on statues of saints, especially the Virgin Mary.In addition, in addition to its main function, special prayer beads are one of the attributes of monastic vestments.

Orthodox rosary: ​​classification

As for the rosary inherent in the purely Eastern Christian tradition, at the moment there are two types of them. The first one can be called primordially Orthodox, since it is the most ancient. This type of rosary is called ladders. However, at present they are predominantly preserved by the Old Believers, while in official Orthodoxy they play the role of an outdated relic.

The second type has a more familiar look, like beads strung on a thread in a specific sequence. This is the most popular Orthodox rosary, which is used not only by believers, but also by worldly people, for example, as a suspension on the mirror of their car. There is even a wine brand to which such beads are attached as a design element.

Lestovki

Lesovki – this is, as already mentioned, the most ancient Orthodox rosary used in the Russian Orthodox tradition.They come from the so-called rope – a rope with knots, common in Byzantium and performing the same role of counting prayers.

The word “ladder” means “ladder” – it means a ladder to heaven, to God. This is no coincidence. Orthodox rosary beads in the form of a ladder really look like a ladder, since they do not look like beads, but a leather belt, along the entire length of which a kind of steps are made – wide loops, called bobbins. The location of the latter is based on a rather complex system.The ends of the ladders are sewn together in a special way with triangles fastened together, called paws. And inside the barrels there is a thick paper roll. According to the rules, the words of prayers were written on these pieces of paper, but now this tradition is rarely supported.

This type of rosary is also divided into several types. So, there are male, female and children’s flats. There are also everyday, funeral, marriage and holiday options.

As already mentioned, the lestovki are Orthodox rosary beads that have lost their meaning today.Their photo is located below.

Ladder structure

Ladders are difficult to remember on the move. This is aggravated by the fact that there are several types of them. The classic version is a circle of one hundred and nine barrels. It starts with four herringbone shoes. They symbolize the Trinity, and their number is the number of evangelists. Next, along the ladder tape, there are three barrels, and after them – an empty section. It is followed by twelve more small steps, followed by one large one.Then there are thirty-eight more small casks and again one large one. They are followed by another cycle of thirty-three degrees of small elements plus one major one. Then there are seventeen small barrels, again an empty area, and finally three barrels again.

How to use ladders

So, ladders are Orthodox prayer beads. Practically nobody knows how to use them. Although in fact it is quite simple, if their structure is well mastered, which is adapted to the needs of the Old Believer worship.With their help, they determine when, how many and what bows to put, what prayers to say, and so on. In addition, quite a lot of private prayer rules have been adapted to the sequence of steps of the ladder, consisting mainly of short repeated appeals to Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, angels and saints.

Modern rosary

Rosary, which is widespread in modern Orthodoxy, represented in Russia mainly by the Moscow Patriarchate, in comparison with ladders, are simpler and laconic.Their origin, however, is Western, that is, Catholic, and is connected, according to legend, with the name of St. Dominic. The latter, according to legend, was awarded a vision of the Mother of God, who handed him a rosary and commanded him to read prayers on them for the triumph of Catholicism over heretics.

Historical evidence suggests that the rosary – and this is what these beads are called – originated from the tradition of daily reading of one hundred and fifty psalms, which the illiterate peasants replaced with the prayers “Our Father” and “Hail Mary.”This practice has also come to be called the rosary. By the 14th century, the rosary had acquired its modern division into tens and in this form spread in Russia in the 19th century. This event is associated with the name of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov. The fact is that, being a great admirer of the Virgin Mary, he introduced in the communities he wards the practice of reading the rosary in its orthodox form, which was called the Theotokos rule. The reading scheme remained the same, only the words of the Latin prayers were replaced by Church Slavonic equivalents.

Initially, from this innovation, a new type of ladder, called the Theotokos and adapted to the reading of the Theotokos rule, emerged. However, they were soon replaced by the traditional Western beads with a cross pendant, known today as Orthodox prayer beads.

The structure of the rosary

Since this type of rosary is intended mainly for reading the Theotokos rule, which is a tracing paper from the Catholic rosary, their structure is similar to the Western prototype.They are a bundle of fifty small beads, separated by one large one every ten. These are the classic Orthodox prayer beads. The number of beads may be different, for example, one hundred or one hundred and fifty. A small cross is attached to the place where the ends of the thread are tied, which, according to Russian tradition, is often completed with a brush.

There is another option, which differs not in the structure, but in the manufacturing method. The attribute is woven from a single thread, where knots play the role of beads.Thus, they are more like a vervitsa – Byzantine medieval rosary. Orthodox Christians often weave them with their own hands, and then give them to each other. This is especially true for monks.

How to use the rosary

We found out that at present the rosary can be fully called nothing other than Orthodox rosary. How to use them in the Russian tradition, tells the charter of the Theotokos rule. According to him, the usual introductory prayers are read on the cross – “Heavenly King,” etc.followed by the “Symbol of Faith”. Further on ten small beads is pronounced “Theotokos, Virgin”, and on the big one – “Our Father”. So you should read the entire circle of the rosary. At the same time, a cycle of one hundred and fifty prayers to the Mother of God is considered complete, which is why Orthodox prayer beads can have a different number of dozens – from one to fifteen, and even more.

Rosary

What is a rosary for: a religious shrine or a fashion accessory?

The history of the origin of the rosary goes back to the Indian Sufis in
II

millennium BCNS. The symbol of faith, endowed with cult qualities, over time passed to other religions as an object for creating rhythm, maintaining concentration of attention and a means for counting prayers read. In Orthodoxy, their
called “spiritual sword”, presenting to monks for tonsure. Buddhists attain enlightenment by meditating for hours with them in their hands. In martial arts, they train the fingers, developing dexterity and muscle strength. And such famous people of Russian literature as Agnia Barto, Anna Akhmatova and Boris Akunin mentioned them more than once in their works.A little bit later

acquired other meanings, becoming a distinctive feature of the status of their owner, as well as an adornment of a person. It’s believed that
rosary as a gift

from semi-precious stones have magical and healing powers. The effect depends on the mineral used.

The most ancient samples were made from improvised items. For this, the seeds of plant fruits, wood, animal bones, stones were used. In everyday life, there are two large groups: cross-over and circular rosary.The first option implies flat plates typed on the tape, thrown over the fingers with quick movements of the hands. The second – beads strung on a cord or thread closed in a ring, having a rounded shape. Rosary beads are present in different religions, with the help of an enumeration of elements, spiritual concentration is achieved. For every denomination
rosary and their meaning

have their own features.

Islam

There are several varieties called tasbih or subha.Large ones consist of 99 links according to the number of “names” of Allah. Small
muslim rosary

there are 33 or 11 beads, after each eleventh element there is a special separator (grain of a different shape). Pendant is a characteristic feature. This is done for convenient counting of the prayer, according to the number of its parts. In modern culture, electronic rosary beads are known among Muslims, they are regulated by simple control. One button sums up prayers, the other resets. Their number is shown on the display.

Christianity

A cord with barrels, symbolizing climbing the steps to heaven and spiritual closeness with God. Popularly called a ladder or a rope, if it closes in a ring. In the everyday life of believers
Orthodox rosary

introduced St. Pachomius in
IV

century. Their models may differ in type. So, 33 details symbolize the age of Christ, a multiple of ten indicates the number of commandments, twelve – the apostles. A cross or paws (petals, palms) are often attached to the edge of the tape.Three of them mean God in his three Hypostases, four – the first evangelists.

Buddhism

Originates from
III

century. They are necessarily closed in a ring and can contain 18, 21, 27, 54 or 108 beads and a separator pendant – a large link. Are called
Buddhist rosary

“Small”, which means a garland. Often there are samples with different shapes and colors of grains, which conveys the difference between the mantras from each other. In religious teaching, the sorting of elements is done for philosophical reflection.Tantric rosary is distinguished by the presence of a cord of 5 multi-colored threads, where each represents the element: water, air, space, fire, earth. They symbolize the next step on the path to the enlightenment of the individual.

Interesting facts about the rosary: ​​records and achievements

The largest in the history of mankind

were made in 2008 by a monk from Japan Hayashi Hiroshi as a gift to the center of Buddhism “Rinpoche Bagsha”. Their weight was 350 kilograms.The huge balls were made of essingang, a unique African rosewood tree. Since the plant is a long-liver and accumulates textured rings on the cut of its trunk, they were distinguished by their original colors.

Longest

were made by the Turk Mustafa Kara. Their length was 25 meters, pine became the material for them. Before getting the result planned by the master, he had to process 500 kilograms of wood.

Farhad Oktay, a native of Azerbaijan, who has collected samples of all religions of the world in his collection, became the record holder for the number of rosaries.Their total number was 3000 pieces.

To Europe

as a gift

was once brought by Alexander the Great from Persia, after which they took root in the vastness of the local lands. But the most expensive in the history of the world is considered to be a sample of perfectly polished black coral with artful silver inlay.

Non-religious use of rosary: ​​modern practice

Apart from religious symbolism, rosary beads are also used as adornments.Lovers of fashion accessories prefer
rosary from natural stones

, since their appearance is aesthetic and allows you to use the healing power of natural material in everyday life. A stylish attribute can be found in the form of an analogue of beads, necklaces or bracelets. Car enthusiasts often hang their rosary on the mirror in their car. In Greece, they are called komboli, they are the personification of masculinity and stat, they allow playing to while away the time.

Psychologists recommend sorting the beads in the hands of shy and modest people in order to develop confidence and fortitude.They are useful for calming the nervous system as an organic part of manual therapy. Since the palm contains many nerve points, the touch of the rosary affects them, evens breathing, neutralizes headaches, and helps to eliminate depression and the effects of stress. By fingering the beads with the participation of the ring finger, you can easily get rid of pressure drops, and when you clamp the links in your fist, you will increase immunity.

Thanks to the power of stones, rosary beads saturate a person with positive energy, are his physical and emotional talisman.They can be an excellent tool for finding inner harmony and will be useful as a gift to loved ones.

Beads and their meaning

Mankind has been familiar with the rosary for a very long time. As early as the second millennium BC, Indian Sufis during meditation fingered beads made of natural stones with their fingers.

As time went on, the rosary gradually spread throughout the world, finding its own individuality in each religion, while invariably serving as a means of maintaining rhythm and concentration during prayer.The first devices for counting prayers were made from improvised means – fruits, seeds, or wood. Later, people learned to process precious and semi-precious stones, and the rosary turned into a real work of art, decoration and indicator of the status of its owner.

In our time, rosary is not only a religious attribute, but also an inalienable one: it is enough to recall “Jade Rosary” by Boris Akunin and the collection of poetry by Anna Akhmatova.

Prayer functions

The purpose of the rosary has changed from century to century.In Eastern religions, the unhurried fingering of cool beads helped the worshiper enter a meditative state, detach from the surrounding vanity and approach enlightenment. Muslims call rosary.

In early Orthodoxy, the essence of the rosary was to help non-counting monks not to be mistaken in the number of repeated prayers. Over time, the rosary entered the life of the laity and even became an attribute of fashion.

What can beads give a non-religious person?

Today many people, far from any religion, like to sort out rosary beads to relieve stress and find inner harmony.The measured tapping of the bead on the bead helps to restore a normal heart rate, relax, or, conversely, concentrate your attention to the utmost. The correct rosary is said to store energy and bring health and well-being to its wearer.

Beads are very often used by people who have suffered a stroke. The rosary helps them restore hand mobility.

In Orthodoxy, rosary beads have always been regarded as an important attribute of true faith: in the hands of a monk, they were perceived as the hilt of a “spiritual sword” – prayer.The first rosary, which came into the everyday life of Orthodox Christians, did not look at all like their modern counterparts: they were made of leather straps, called ladders, or were perceived as an image of a “ladder to God”.

The number of grains in an Orthodox rosary can be different: thirty-three beads symbolize the age of Christ, a multiple of ten reminds of the ten commandments, and a multiple of twelve – of the twelve holy apostles. Such beads are often decorated with a symbolic pendant in the form of a cross or additional beads – three in honor of the Trinity of God, or four in memory of the holy evangelists.

Features of the Orthodox rosary:

Prayers of the followers of Islam are not complete without beads. Muslims call the rosary – tasbih, subha or misbaha. On the pages of our site, we often call simply Muslim rosary or tasbih. In Islam, rosaries are often found, consisting of ninety-nine beads – according to the number of names of Allah, or their reduced counterparts with the number of beads from eleven to thirty-three. After each eleventh element, a special divider is installed on the rosary to make it easier to count prayers.You will find more detailed information in the article.

Features of Muslim prayer beads:
Why is the number of beads in tasbih a multiple of 11? The fact is that the Muslim prayer consists of 11 parts.

When buying a Muslim rosary, pay attention to how many beads there are in the rosary, once again, the number must be a multiple of 11.

The rosary, by which Buddhist monks count the prescribed number of mantras, are usually closed in a ring and contain eighteen, twenty-one, twenty-seven, fifty-four or one hundred and eight beads.Such beads, known as mala, can be made up of beads of different colors and sizes, which emphasize the difference between the mantras. Followers of Tantrism use a special type of rosary, consisting of five multi-colored laces, each of which symbolizes one of the elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) and one of the steps on the path to Enlightenment.

Features of Buddhist rosary:
usually the number of beads in a rosary is 108, but sometimes 54, 27, 21, 18. In a rosary for 108 beads, after 36 and 72 beads, a separator is placed.

Rosary, or “a wreath of roses” – this is how the Catholics call their rosary and the collection of prayers that are read on them. Classic Catholic rosary consists of fifty beads with separators every ten, a medallion and a crucifix. Usually the prayers “Our Father”, “Glory” and “Hail Mary” are recited over the rosary, while reflecting on the main Gospel mysteries. Also among Catholics there are beads in the form of a ring with bulges instead of beads.

Features of the rose garden:

Lutheran rosary

Do not think that all types of rosary were invented in ancient times.Perhaps the Lutherans were the last to acquire their own special rosary: ​​they were created in the 1990s by the Swedish bishop Martin Lönnebo, inspired by the beauty of the Greek komboloi rosary. The bishop gave his invention a beautiful name -. These beads symbolize the life path of Christ, and in the broadest sense – and each person. Each of the eighteen beads has its own shape and name, is made of a specific material and is located in a strictly defined place.

Flip-flop beads

This rosary is not religious.We do .

Practically in every religious tradition there are methods of repeated repetition of the names of the Lord or glorification of the Almighty with the help of various hymns and prayers. This practice has significant spiritual benefits, and in Christianity there are also methods of repeated and prolonged prayer. To account for the number of repetitions, Orthodox rosary is used, how to use this device correctly.

Now all over the world various religious movements are actively spreading, the countries are not as closed as before.Many details are known about other religions and cultures.

Almost everywhere in spiritual practices there is a monotonous prayer:

  • mantras in Buddhism and Hinduism;
  • recitation of suras from the Koran in Islam;
  • dhikrs in Sufism;
  • rhythmic breathing and repetition of sounds in shamanism.

Many can even remember the peculiar “prayers” of the times of communism, which were repeated at party meetings and glorified the leaders and theorists of communism.

Thus, it is easy to draw a general conclusion from this – these prayers have an effect and allow working with consciousness in a certain way, strengthening faith. Only now you need to imagine what these practices are for. After all, much depends on whom they glorify and to whom they direct the consciousness of the believer.

Simply put, a communist who throughout his earthly journey appealed to Marx is unlikely to help Marx ascend, and an Orthodox who prayed to the Savior and the Mother of God has much more favorable prospects.

Although some may not be aware of this, or simply not pay attention, in Orthodoxy, unceasing prayer is prescribed in general for all believers. It is not only hesychasts or monks who need to pray incessantly. Ideally, even an ordinary person, while doing his worldly affairs, can mentally say short prayer phrases (for example, the Jesus Prayer or “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary”) and thus work not only with the body, but also with the soul, doing simple worldly affairs.

Use of attachments

Unceasing prayer, for one reason or another, is not available to everyone.It remains only to set aside a certain period during the day to read a certain number of prayers, and for this you need a rosary in order to keep the countdown. For example, Seraphim of Sarov advised his spiritual children to recite (in addition to the morning and evening rules) 150 times to the Virgin Mary, of course, it is inconvenient to count such an amount in the mind, some additional instrument is required.

It is more convenient to measure the number of prayers spoken during the day on a rosary. For example, some people read a certain number of “circles” throughout the day, when they manage to retire.

Pay attention!
The beads should not be overly emphasized, in particular, on the beauty of this object and any aesthetic functions.

Of course, you need to choose an accessory according to your own taste, so that it is pleasing to the eye and sets you in a positive prayer mood. You should never “show off” a rosary, consider this item as some kind of pleasant toy or something similar to a fashionable wardrobe item.Such an attitude is completely unacceptable, it is necessary that this object does not distract from prayer, but, on the contrary, serves as a kind of spiritual staff that helps in the prayer path.

Useful video: Orthodox prayer beads, why are they needed?

Varieties

Some ascetics do not see any special need to use some object at all, because, as they say, beads are not needed besides those given by the Lord, that is, their own fingers. And, indeed, if you count each phalanx on one hand, and each phalanx on the other hand, then for the “circle” traversed on the other hand, such “rosary” give 144 prayers – quite a convenient option for use.Therefore, in the absence of an additional object, there is always the opportunity to use your hands.

Your own prayer beads (which are not your own hands) can also come in handy. They are religious subjects and can provide inspiration and help build faith.

It remains only to choose an Orthodox rosary according to your own taste, and there are many options:

  • brojanica – the most common in Serbia and other Balkan countries, they are part of the Orthodox tradition, they resemble a rope with 33 large knots that fit tightly to each other, as a result, a kind of bracelet is obtained, in addition to knots in one part there is an equilateral cross made of precious metals with an image a small icon, which is a separate central bead, looks pretty nice in the photo;
  • rope – also made of fabric or rope, most often of dense wool, knots are tied, between which, at a certain interval (10, 25), larger knots are tied or beads are inserted, in the upper part there can be a tassel with a central bead or cross, quantity knots are not regulated, but, as a rule, it is 25, 33, 50, 100, some are also especially long 1000 knots, in principle, it is not difficult to make such a rosary with your own hands, you only need a small rope;
  • Ladder (Ladder) – most often considered Old Believers, but now in use throughout the monastic community, they look like a piece of cloth, on one side of which there are hillocks tightly pressed to each other, which symbolize like a step of this ladder, under such hillocks often rolls of fabric are inserted for firmness and strength, sometimes on these rolled rolls they write the Jesus or other prayer, the number of “steps” is 33, the symbolism of the number does not require explanation.

Which Orthodox prayer beads to choose depends on personal preference, but is not essential. It is not the object itself that is valuable, but the regular and sincere prayer of the believer to whom it promotes. In addition to these options, it is quite possible to choose any other that is comfortable to hold in your hand and that is more consistent with your practical and spiritual needs.

In the Orthodox tradition, there is no such idea as correct and incorrect rosary. Initially, nothing is said or indicated in the scriptures about this subject.The rosary appeared later as an auxiliary tool, and all their variations are inventions of monks or ordinary believers.

How to pray on a rosary

Now you need to figure out how to use this “tool” in the process of prayer work. In churches, as a rule, they do not carry a rosary with them, but pray as part of the service, they simply put a candle in front of the icons and say petitions or prayers in a low voice a few times.

For the most part, Orthodox prayer beads are used for private prayer as part of individual spiritual practice.It is in the process of solitude that the believer can better tune in, get distracted from the rest of the world and spend a significant amount of time for repetition. Moreover, in secret work, one should not pay attention to the rest and one’s own appearance.

Pay attention!
Most often, the rosary is worn on the main hand, that is, on the one that is being fingered.

It is not particularly accepted by the Orthodox to wear this item in public. Therefore, even if they take a rosary with them (for example, as a bracelet to always be able to pray), they wear it under their clothes, without exposing them to other eyes.After all, a long prayer can cause, for example, tears or great joy of emotion. In public, this behavior is not very convenient, but when you pray separately, you should not worry about it.

Informative!
When read from the desecration of women

From the basic on how to correctly recite prayers, the following should be noted:

  • choose a secluded space so that no one interferes or distracts;
  • choose the optimal prayer, figure out why the words used in it are needed, understand their meaning, feel and accept with all your soul;
  • choose a certain number of repetitions, but do not chase the number, strive for mental “work”, and not for automatic repetition;
  • Before practice, tune in, and in the process try to cultivate faith, pray sincerely.

If you are truly sincere, then over time, how to pray on the rosary will become clearer and clearer. Such practice brings spiritual results, but one must constantly try and in every possible way avoid the sin of pedagogy, that is, thoughtless repetition of words.

Useful video: priest Maxim Kaskun on how to use a rosary

Conclusion

So, no matter what version of the rosary an Orthodox person chooses for himself, faith and prayer always remain the basis.It is on this that spiritual practice rests, and the rosary simply helps, as a kind of support that allows you to progress further and further.

In this sense, the most striking is the image of the Old Believer flattering, symbolizing the steps along which the believer, as it were, climbs to the Lord. Each step, that is, the uttered prayer, removes the reader from the temporal and temporal, making him closer to Heaven.

Rosary beads | The language of numbers

This article was expressed by the desire to write for my site Leonid Makhno, who actively uses numerology in the manufacture of amulets, talismans and rosary.

Rosary is a tool for using the magic of numbers using the language of numbers. Beads (balls) strung on a thread, the ends of the threads are combined to form a ring.

Usually a rosary ends with a supporting bead, which differs in shape or material; a tail made of threads or some kind of sacred symbol (cross) is often attached to it.

The history of the rosary

Where did the rosary come from? It is impossible to say for sure, there are many versions and all are true. The most common of them: in the II millennium BC.H. in India.

What is a rosary for?

Rosary beads are widely used, they are used for counting prayers, mantras, agmas, numerical codes and bows. They are also used in meditation, concentration, work in the astral plane, etc.

How to choose a rosary? Made from natural materials. The rosary that you like to touch, color and smell will do.
What is a rosary made of?
Rosary beads are made from wood, shells, seeds, coral, stones and metals.

How many beads are in the rosary?

Rosary beads speak to us in the language of numbers.
After all, the rosary is a tool for applying the magic of numbers in practice – direct communication, contact with a particular number in order to achieve certain goals.

If the rosary is made of grains, then their generally accepted number: 12, 13, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 40, 42, 44, 49, 50, 54, 60 , 70, 72, 77, 80, 81, 99, 100, 108, 120, 130, 150.

The language of numbers in the rosary

This information is based on general opinion and my personal experience.

Rosary beads of 12 beads, a talisman of faith and truth, help to stay on your feet.

Rosary beads of 13 beads, a damn dozen for the opponent, the athlete’s mascot in competitions.

Rosary in 18 beads, find yourself and the meaning of life.

Rosary with 20 beads, quiet rest, inactivity, passive behavior.

Rosary beads in 21 beads, careerist, go up the hill, you will always achieve your goal.

Rosary beads in 24 beads, balance in society, or a person in a herd.

Rosary beads of 25 beads, free yourself from problems, leave your cross.

Rosary with 27 beads, you are a servant of God (read the 23rd psalm).

Rosary beads of 30 beads, a freeloader, a consumer.

Rosary in 33 beads, stoic or a person who can endure everything.

Prayer beads in 36 beads, fucking brothers, sex, unity, hard worker, eternal energy.

Rosary with 39 beads, fear of death, eternal life.

Rosary with 40 beads, stop, rest, end, completeness, perfection.

Rosary beads in 42 beads, a question of life, the universe and in general.

Rosary beads in 44 beads, destruction, destruction, strength (SS of the Wehrmacht division).

Rosary with 49 beads, a single organism, the total number of human nerve centers.

Rosary with 50 beads, new start, second wind, adequacy, mental development.

Rosary beads in 54 beads, to achieve harmony and perfection.

A rosary of 60 beads, a person living outside of time, have time to live 3 times.

Rosary with 70 beads, leader, idol, founder of spiritual values.

Rosary with 72 beads, like a god, a spiritual teacher.

Rosary with 77 beads, luck, gaining benefits, wealth of spirit.

Rosary with 80 beads, wisdom.

Rosary with 81 beads, life without rules.

Prayer beads in 99 beads, cyclicity, repetition, energy multiplication.

Rosary with 100 beads, a person standing above others.

Rosary with 108 beads, karma constructor.

Rosary with 120 beads, quiet life.

A rosary of 130 beads, life without chaos.

Rosary with 150 beads, genius.

You can read the continuation of the article here

Author of the Article: Leonid Makhno

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Pay attention!

My book entitled Spiritual Numerology.The language of numbers. ” Today it is the most complete and popular of all existing esoteric textbooks on the meaning of numbers. For more information about this, as well as to order the book, follow the following link: “ Spiritual Numerology Book

Warmly, author of the book and this site Iosif Lazarev

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What does the rosary mean in Orthodoxy. Can lay people use Orthodox prayer beads

Rosary beads are beads strung on a ribbon / cord.As a rule, they are fastened to each other, which makes the accessory resemble a decorative ornament. Beads or grains are made from a wide variety of materials: wood (cypress, date, juniper, etc.), natural stones, ceramics, seeds, berries, etc.

Rosary beads are a special item that helps to keep the concentration and attention of the person praying. India is considered the birthplace of a popular religious attribute today. Since ancient times, sorting beads helped to distract from worldly concerns and pay attention to your inner, spiritual world.The beads in the rosary, most often, symbolize the number of prayers said.

It should be noted that fingering the rosary is characteristic not only of religious adepts, but also, for example, of the shamans of Central Asia. With the help of an accessory, they guess: predict troubles or good.

Used in many religions today. They can be found, the Old Believers, and so on. You can distinguish the rosary of one faith from another by the number of beads and decoration.

How many beads in the rosary of different religions

The number of beads in the rosary varies depending on.For this number must be a multiple of 10. Most often, there are beads of 100 beads + 3 from the central knot down. The accessory used ends with a thread brush or. It should be noted that the number of beads may vary. According to the rules, segments of 10 pieces can be from one to sixteen.

In another Christian teaching – Catholicism – a different number of beads is accepted. Catholic rosary beads have 33 or 50 grains. The first number symbolizes the earthly years of Jesus, and the second – the number of years from the date of his death to the writing of the first book about his life.Later in Catholicism, rosary beads appeared, containing 150 beads (or 15 dozen). Every dozen is a tribute to the memory of the main event in the life of Christ and his Mother.

The main rosary in Buddhism has 108 beads. This figure symbolizes the number of brahmanas present at the birth of the Buddha. Such rosary beads are equipped with dividers – beads of a larger size. Also in Buddhism, accessories are often found with 18 (the number of Buddha’s disciples), 21 (the number of forms of the goddess Tara) and 32 grains (signs / dignity of the Buddha).

In Buddhism, there are also rosary beads with 27 and 54 beads. This attribute represents ½ and ¼ of the classic 108-grain tape.

There are two types of rosary in Hinduism. The first “belong” to Shiva and contain 64 or 32 beads made from Rudraksha berries. The latter symbolize the Divine Absolute and have 108 grains. According to the rules, a rosary with a sacred number of links should be made of tulsi wood.

The Islamic rosary has 99 beads. This number is cyclical and corresponds to the Divine names.Typically, the rosary is divided into three equal parts. There is also a shortened version of the attribute called “tasbih” and consisting of 33 beads.

Who among us, in one way or another, has not encountered a rosary? Many of them are actively used, someone saw them in the hands of relatives and friends, someone is familiar with them from books and feature films. Rosary beads are an integral attribute of most existing religions and all kinds of spiritual movements. They are irreplaceable helpers in prayer and spiritual work. Rosary beads are rightfully considered one of the most revered symbols of spiritual wisdom, and their wide use in prayers is an excellent example of how real objects of our material world can serve as guides to the world of the Soul.

To begin with, let’s turn to the encyclopedia: “rosary” (other Russian -cht-, that is, count, read, count) – a thread or ribbon on which beads (grains), plates, or other dense homogeneous elements are strung, imposed nodules. Most often they are closed in a ring. In many religions, rosary beads are used to count prayers already said, promote greater concentration and set a rhythm for incessant prayer without counting.
The earliest examples of rosary found as a result of archaeological excavations were created in the 2nd millennium BC.BC. in India. The first mention of Buddhist rosary dates back to the 3rd century AD. Christian rosaries, the creator of which is recognized as Saint Pachomius, have been known since the 4th century AD. According to legend, Pachomius founded the Thebaid monastery of Tavenna in the desert. In order for monks untrained in counting to read the prescribed number of prayers per day, he gave them a lace with knots tied on it. This lace became the first Christian rosary.
Often, rosary beads are considered exclusively a religious belonging, they are considered as assistants in the reading of prayers.The number of grains included in the rosary should correspond to the number of prayers pronounced by the believer. However, not only prayers are accompanied by the fingering of the rosary.
It is known for certain that in Central Asian shamanism the main instrument of the shaman was not a tambourine at all, as we used to think, but a rosary. Fingering the rosary, shamans predicted future happiness, impending disaster, weather, and even death.
So, rosary beads have found their application in many cultures and in almost all religions of the world: in Christianity (both in Orthodoxy and in Catholicism), Islam, Buddhism, shamanism and many others.etc. Naturally, each religion had its own strict parameters by which the rosary was made. When you look at a specific rosary, you can always determine who their owner is – Christian, Buddhist or Muslim. In addition, by the look of the rosary, one can also tell about the degree of preparation of its owner, about his belonging to one or another branch of the teaching. For the novices, for example, there are fewer grains in the rosary than those who have passed to the next stage of spiritual development.

Buddhist rosary.

Buddhist rosary (in Sanskrit: mala, in Tibetan: prenba). Buddhist rosary is a kind of necklace with grains strung on it. Most often there are beads with 108 grains (108 brahmanas present at the birth of the Buddha). These rosary beads have separators that are located after the 18th, 21st, 27th and 54th grains. In addition to a rosary with 108 grains, rosaries with 27 and 54 beads are often found (1/4 and 1/2 of 108, these are shortened versions). There are rosary beads with 18 grains – in honor of 18 disciples of Buddha (arhats), with 21 grains, identified with 21 forms of the goddess Tara, rosary with 32 grains – for counting 32 Buddha’s virtues.
Rosary beads are crowned with two tassels or several beads. A rosary with a red tassel and thread is intended for reading Tantra. In many Buddhist rosary, one of the beads stands out, it is usually larger or colored in a different color. It is the symbol of the golden pearl of the Buddha. The Brahman rosary ends in two identical brushes. In the place of their connection, the nodes are colored orange.
Rosary beads are used in almost all religions to count the number of prayers or mantras recited, bows or rituals performed.But in Buddhism, beads also play an additional role as an object in which information is encrypted, closely related to the philosophical and practical aspects of the Great Teachings of the Buddha.

Price: 1250r, 1540r, 3100r, 7250r. Nephritis.

Price: 980r, 1540r, 6300r. Agate.

Price: 2740r, 4250r, 8450r. Moonstone.

Price: 3100 rub. Black agate.

Price: 3540 rub.Lapis lazuli.

Price: 6800 rub. Cat’s eye.

33 beads. Material: onyx. Price: 480r.

108 beads. Material: ceramics. Price: 480r.

Christian rosary.

1. Orthodox prayer beads.

In Orthodox rosary beads are most often used with 33 grains, according to the number of earthly years of Christ’s life, or multiples of 10 or 12.The rule of the Nomokanon of the 11th century tells of a berevitsa with 103 knots. Rosary beads are used to perform the Jesus Prayer. Orthodox rosary is divided into links of 10 pieces, plus 3 pieces from the thread knot down, then a thread brush, as a rule, it is combined with a cross.
Earlier, rosary beads were required for any Orthodox. So, for example, in the thirteenth teaching of “Domostroi” in the Sylvester edition, it is clearly stated: “Any Christian should always hold a rosary in his hands, like the Jesus prayer – tirelessly on his lips.And in the church, and at home, and at the auction – whether you walk, whether you stand, whether you sit, and anywhere “

2. Catholic rosary (rosary).

In Catholicism, the rosary is called the Rosary, a wreath of prayers that are repeated in a specific order. They usually consist of 50 grains separated by 10 large beads. This involves repeating each prayer 10 times, and there are five such repetitions. Rosary beads with 33 and 150 beads can also be used. There is also a complete Rosary, which includes 20 decades.It is designed to read all the sacraments of the Rosary at once. There are also rosaries for one decade, made in the form of bracelets. They are used to read a dozen “Theotokos”. The Catholic rosary is crowned with a Crucifix, over which there are five more beads. The traditional way of wearing rosary beads among Catholics is to wear them around the neck in the form of a necklace. Often, Catholic rosary is worn on the hands, wound in the form of a bracelet, or put into a pocket, in a special bag – “scapula”, decorated with embroidery with images of saints.

Orthodox rosary.

Wooden rosary.

40 beads. Material: juniper. Price: 540 rub.

50 beads. Material: ash. Price: 480r.

30 beads. Material: ash. Price: 380 rub.

100 beads. Material: hornbeam. Price: 680r.

100 beads. Material: golden ash. Price: 1100r.

54 beads. Material: boxwood. Price: 780r.

40 beads. Material: golden ash. Price: 540 rub.

100 beads. Material: walnut. Price: 680r.

50 beads. Material: juniper. Price: 480r.

7 beads. Material: ash. Price: 310 rub.

7 beads. Material: ash. Price: 280r.

20 beads.Material: ash, oak. Price: 310 rub.

20 beads. Material: juniper. Price: 380 rub.

30 beads. Material: ash. Price: 280r.

Catholic rosary.

50 beads. Material: juniper. Price: 680r.

52 beads. Material: boxwood. Price: 780r.

10 beads. Material: hornbeam. Price: 100 rub.

Muslim rosary.

Rosary beads in Islam (as-subhah). Rosary beads are rightfully considered one of the most important religious symbols of Islam. They are used to read dhikr: the words of the mention of Allah. “Truly, the most useful thing that reminds of the reading of dhikr is the rosary” (words of the Prophet). The Arabic word “as subah” (rosary) from the point of view of the Arabic language and the religion of Islam is derived from the word “at tasbih”, which means pronouncing the words “Subhan Allah”, which are words of praise of Allah.

Muslim rosary consists of 99 grains (or multiples of 99 (99.33.11).99 is the number that corresponds to the Divine Names. The rosary has its own specific names. So, the rosary, consisting of 33 grains, are called “tasbih”, “subha” and “misbaha”, they are divided into three links with the help of special grains-stones. A 99-grain rosary is divided into links after every 33-grain beads. Muslim rosary ends with a fluffy oblong tassel or a pebble with a tassel, this symbolizes faith in the One God.

33 beads. Material: oak, hornbeam, ash, walnut.Price: 410r.

99 beads. Material: hornbeam. Price: 980r.

99 beads. Material: ash. Price: 1100r.

Other, non-religious, virtues and functions of the rosary – medical and esoteric.
It has long been known that nerve endings are concentrated in our fingertips, which are directly connected with the brain centers. Take a look at the children. Games aimed at developing fine motor skills of hands are closely related to fingering small objects in the hands: balls, cubes, peas, etc.That is, by developing hands, we simultaneously influence the development of brain activity. Smart Chinese have long invented small metal balls (qigong balls) to relieve stress. Rolling them over the hand, they affected the brain, through the nerve endings located on the fingers. The rosary works in exactly the same way. By fingering the rosary grains with different fingers, you can influence the entire body as a whole and on certain aspects of its life. And, of course, on your emotional state.For example, using your thumb and forefinger can help relieve headaches and restore breathing. If you use your middle finger, you can successfully relieve anger and oppressed, depressive state. Working with the ring finger helps to increase the body’s resistance to magnetic storms and pressure drops. If you crumple the rosary in your hands and thereby affect the entire palm, you can normalize the work of all internal organs.
In addition, this kind of work with beads also affects the painful joints of those with arthritis, significantly alleviating the condition of the hands.
Also, work with beads is recommended for those who are threatened by this disease due to their chosen professional activity. For example, office workers who spend several hours a day at the keyboard. By fingering the rosary, you force to exercise those muscles of the fingers that are at risk of atrophy during life.
– also one of the most important aspects of the effect of the rosary on the human body is to help in concentration. If you need to memorize any necessary information (texts, foreign words, poems), you need to sort out the rosary grains in a strict sequence, and when shifting each bead, repeat one or another unit of information.
Thus, the rosary is not only good for religious worship and prayer, but is also extremely useful for maintaining excellent physical and emotional health. They can become a good personal amulet, a useful tool and a great gift for family and friends.

The history of the origin of the prototype of the modern rosary goes back to the II millennium BC. Not all monks who devoted themselves to religious service were literate and knew how to count. To read a prayer or a sacred text a certain number of times, they were given strings or strips of leather, on which knots were tied.For the same purposes, various natural materials were also used, which were strung on a thread and fingered with fingers: shells, seeds, wooden blocks, seeds of fruit plants.

Nowadays, rosary beads are made from beads. They can be glass, stone or bone, but they remain the most popular to this day. This natural material has its own energy field, which calms and protects a person, replenishing his reserve of strength.

What tree species are rosary made of

There is no clear regulation on the use of a particular tree for making rosary.You can choose a breed for yourself personally, based on the energy message of each breed:

  • have a powerful force that a person feels when picking up an oak product. No wonder the druids considered him an energy donor. Oak radiates vitality, normalizes the heart system and prolongs life;
  • are suitable for those who yearn to understand the divine nature of man, because this tree is considered a conductor of heavenly knowledge to everything earthly;
  • has a strong protective effect, protecting the owner of the wooden accessory from external negativity and otherworldly evil spirits;
  • will help to gain clarity of consciousness and speed up the process of understanding divine and sacred texts.It is a tree of knowledge and enlightenment;
  • are able to teach patience and meekness, temper your pride and find joy in serving God and people.

What is the difference between a Muslim rosary and an Orthodox one

There are many different religions in the world that help people find their place in life and become kinder. Each has its own canons and prescriptions, so there are no universal products suitable for all teachings at the same time.

The difference between Orthodox prayer beads and Muslim ones lies in the appearance: a different number of beads and paraphernalia, as well as in the material of manufacture.For example, Orthodox Christians string beads on a woolen thread, and followers of Islam – on a silk one.

Orthodox rosary

In the Church Slavonic language, it is customary to call the rosary a “chieftain”. This word comes from the ancient Slavic “rope” – which means “rope” or “lace”. Wooden balls were strung on a string so as not to lose count when they read prayers.

How many beads should be in an Orthodox rosary

It depends on what kind of prayers they are for, there are two options:

  • The number of balls in the Orthodox rosary is equal to the number of earthly years of Jesus.33 beads for each year spent by the son of God with people;
  • Rosary beads for Christians with the number of beads divisible by ten – 30, 50, 100 beads. The number ten symbolizes the number of commandments.

rosary beads for orthodox in our catalog

For ease of use, every ten beads per strand are separated by a smaller piece, or a miniature cross. This allows you not to get lost, and not to be distracted by counting, but to immerse yourself in prayer completely. Often among monks or priests, you can see long rosary beads of 100 balls, closed in a ring and decorated with a wooden cross around their necks.They are also worn on the arm, wrapped around the wrist in several rows.

Prayer beads for Muslims

In Islam, the rosary is called “subha”, which means “light” or “early morning”. Muslim rosary beads are not only made of wood, but natural materials such as semi-precious stones, amber or glass are often used. They differ from the Orthodox in external luxury and attractiveness.

How many beads should be in a Muslim rosary

In the writings of the Prophet Muhammad it is indicated that their number should be a multiple of 11, it is from so many parts that the prayer of adherents of Islam consists.Most often, in the prayer beads of Muslims, you can find 33 or 99 balls (according to the number of names of Allah).

prayer beads for muslims in our catalog

Each 11 beads are separated by a bridge made of a piece of different shape or size. The rosary closed in a ring at the end has a large oblong bead, which, in turn, is decorated with a tassel of threads.

Rosary and health

Although the rosary is a primordially religious attribute, and has the purpose of constantly reminding the believer what he devoted his life to, often people buy this accessory for themselves not at all in order to count the number of prayers uttered.

Many people know, and this has been proved by scientific studies more than once, that kneading the fingers on the hands has a very beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. There is a whole science that studies the effect of pressing on certain parts of the body to harmonize the energy balance of a person, as well as to relieve pain, treat and prevent many diseases.

Slow fingering of smooth beads calms the nervous system, helps to distance from external factors, concentrating on your inner state.Prayer beads can help relieve stress in quitting smoking, or they can be used to convey positive attitudes of their own.

Rosary beads are an essential attribute for many religions. They are actively used in Christianity, Old Believers, Islam, Buddhism, among shamans, etc. But in every religion something different comes to the fore. In Buddhism – meditation, in Islam and Christianity – the counting of prayers and their build-up. In addition, a certain philosophical concept is also laid down everywhere.Hence the choice of a certain number of grains. And the form often matters, and the material. Why are some rosary beads used by tantra practitioners, while others by lay Buddhists? This is something like an ancient computer, which contains several programs. First, a self-help program. Secondly, the program of philosophical knowledge, understanding, understanding of the world. There is also a therapeutic aspect, the calming effect of the rosary.

It is believed that the rosary came to us from India; it was there that the most ancient ones were found, whose age is four thousand years.Christian rosary appeared around the 4th century AD, according to the chronicles, they were introduced into use by Saint Pachomius. At first, the beads were used by illiterate monks who could not pray from books, they needed beads to count the number of prayers said.

There are several main traditions of rosary making, among which the most famous are Hindu Buddhist, Muslim and Christian. It can be assumed that Eastern traditions (Hindu, Tantric and Buddhist) traveled to the West, where they were assimilated and became part of Christian traditions.

In the book of S.A. Trofimov. “Rosary” (Moscow, 2001) describes their history and traditions most fully. An abbreviated version of this book can be found on the Internet http://ec-dejavu.ru/r/Rosary.html.

“Rosary is a textbook of heavenly philosophy; all the world’s book depositories for eight thousand years can be enclosed in eight words of the Jesus Prayer. Rosary beads make visible invisible, and invisible visible. Rosary beads are a staircase leading down and up: down – deep into the heart, where the soul is meets with itself, and upward – to heaven, where the spirit, without leaving the heart, meets with God.Rosary is a measure of a person’s love for God.

The rosary is a black rose grown on a lonely grave; she whispers to her heart about inevitable death and indicates where all the roads of the world lead and where they end. The rosary in the morning tell the soul – save yourself, at noon – work, in the evening – repent, at night – stay awake. Prayer beads are flower petals that bloom one after another at the touch of your fingers. The rosary is a scourge in the hand of the tiger tamer, with which he enters the heart like a cage of an animal and tames the passions of the soul. The rosary is a flute, the sounds of which are heard by angels in heaven, and the dead are in their graves.The rosary is a sponge that has absorbed the tears of the monks and the blood of the martyrs.

Groans from the snowy Siberian taiga and the steppes of Kazakhstan scorched by the sun are heard in the rosary. Rosary – rejection of the world for the sake of the One who is above the world. Rosary beads are voices from the graves: “Do not forget us! We are beggars, we ask for bread at the doors of the living. ” The rosary is the exploits of the unknown righteous, for the sake of whom the world still exists. The rosary breathes with the silence of Athos and the scent of Nazareth flowers. The rosary is the pen used to write patericons in secluded cells and caves… ”
Reflections on the rosary

What is the purpose of the rosary in the modern sense?

What made them so popular, necessary for both a clergyman and a secular person? Why do they still live today, despite the long years of persecution of the church and its attributes?

The main reason here is the beneficial effect of the rosary on the well-being of their owner. It is known that the nerve endings located at the fingertips are directly connected to the brain centers.Therefore, a simple fingering of the rosary relieves their fatigue, soothes.

This property was the basis for the custom adopted in ancient China long before the appearance of the rosary: ​​to sort out walnuts in the hands. They also knew about it in Japan. In the famous work of the scientist Tokuhiro Namikoshi “Shiatsu – Japanese Finger Pressure Therapy”, it is indicated that even simple rubbing of the hands helps to calm down. Built on this effect, shiatsu, by stimulating the flow of blood to the fingertips, to the palms, promotes stability and strengthens health.

The ancient Greek philosopher Anaxagoras once remarked: “The hand of every person … conceals in itself the miraculous power of healing diseases.”

Scientists E. S. Vilhover and G. V. Kushnir give in their works a diagram of the connection of fingers with certain internal organs. So, the first (“thumb”) finger is associated with the brain, the second (index) – with the stomach, the middle – with the intestines, the fourth (ring) – with the liver and the fifth (little finger) – with the heart.

Having studied the mechanism of interaction, scientists engaged in reflexology applied it in practice.It is known that the effect on fingers I and II gives relief from headaches, facilitates breathing, and treats some diseases of the respiratory system.

The impact on the third finger regulates various emotional states, relieves depression, irritation or anger. The impact on the fourth finger increases the body’s resistance to external factors: magnetic storms, changes in atmospheric pressure, in other words, helps in the treatment of meteopathy (this is the name in medicine for painful conditions associated with weather phenomena).

Nerve endings of the IV and V fingers are associated with the regulation of a very important side of life – the volitional qualities of a person. And the nerve endings located on the palm “control” the activities of all internal organs without exception.

Now, knowing the whole “background” of the beneficial effects of reflexology of fingertips with the help of beads, it is easier to understand the phenomenon of their “longevity”. It turns out that thanks to the rosary, it is possible to influence the most diverse aspects of the body’s life, correct the physiological functions disturbed for one reason or another, and treat a number of diseases associated with this.

Another beneficial effect of the rosary is associated with the rhythm of their fingering. It is known that the activity of almost all our organs and systems obeys a certain rhythm: remember the contractions of the heart, lungs … Try to break this rhythm, say, to hold your breath! What can we say about the work of the heart – here a violation of the rhythm can lead to tragic consequences.

One of the most effective ways to restore the normal functioning of internal organs is rhythm “imposed” from the outside.Have you noticed that many people have a habit of tapping their toes, wiggling their legs, etc.? And do they do it rhythmically? Thus, they completely unconsciously regulate the rhythm of the body’s work.

And here’s what’s interesting – it has been established that the normal rhythms of functioning of various internal organs are interconnected, multiples of each other and obey certain daily rhythms.

At the same time, diurnal rhythms, despite their name, are associated not only with the time of day, but also with the lunar calendar, and with solar activity, and with many other, not yet fully investigated external factors.It is quite possible that, turning over the rosary, we instinctively try to achieve rhythmic harmony in the context of the momentary concrete impact of the external environment on the body.

Rosary beads are also indispensable for training the sensitivity and professional accuracy of the fingers of surgeons, musicians, artists, programmers, cashiers, watchmakers … Have you suffered a hand injury, arm fracture? The rosary will help you develop your hand faster, restore mobility.

Do you need to memorize important information, but not just one, and even in a certain sequence? Repeat it to yourself, while fingering the rosary: ​​assimilation will be more durable, as it is supported by additional muscle “impressions”.The rosary will help you to extract the stored information from the “storeroom” of your memory.

And the following situation is familiar to you: a shy person, insecure, during a conversation does not know where to put his hands, what to do with them. Such an interlocutor also infects you with nervousness! And if you offer him a rosary at this moment? The person will calm down, the conversation will go smoothly and pleasantly.

With the same positive effect, rosary beads are used by men and women, old people and children, regardless of religious choice, horoscope.You can hold them in one or both hands, sort or stroke the grains, rotate them around the thread. Rosary beads look good when worn on the wrist or wrapped around the wrist.

At present, rosary beads are made of glass, metals, ceramics and plastic. They are beautiful, distracting, but there is little benefit from such beads. It is not for nothing that natural minerals were chosen by our ancestors for making rosaries, moreover, in black – jet and lidite. These minerals are carriers of yin energy. With their black color, they act like a magnet, absorbing negative energy and “removing” it from the body.This is also due to the healing effect of the rosary. They can neutralize, dispel negative emotions – anger, resentment, jealousy, etc. It is important when working with rosaries to periodically clean them, like any other stone, to erase negative energy from them.

A man with a rosary in his hands arouses interest, adds a certain romantic touch to his appearance. In addition, beads, attracting attention to themselves, distract him from possible unfavorable details of your appearance or costume.

The rosary should be constantly with you, they will remind you of spiritual practice.It is a powerful tool for controlling the mind. It’s a whip that guides
mind

To

superknowledge

… Rosary – large
spirit

More valuable than a gold necklace, for they help in reaching spiritual heights. It is not for nothing that the tantras say that the rosary is Devata, the Deity itself.

The rosary should be kept clean, do not handle them without first washing your hands. The rosary, on which the mantra is repeated for a long time, has magical powers that can heal wounds and heal
illness

If you want to use them in this capacity, wear a rosary, putting it on the hand, on the wrist, like a bracelet, winding it around your finger.You can simply hold them in your hand, shake them, touch them, stroke them, stream from palm to palm, rotate the grains around the thread …

Everything is useful! And all these manipulations will be appropriate at home, at a party, on the street, in the theater, at work. If the rosary is matched to the tone of the dress or suit or in contrast to it, they will also serve as an ornament. Black rosary beads are strict, elegant and always appropriate for any outfit, regardless of age.

Prayer functions:

1 – counting device:

On grains, knots, rollers or other components of the rosary, the count of prayers, mantras, bows and other similar ritual actions is made.When dividing grains or other counting elements of the rosary into groups (especially unequal ones, as, for example, on a ladder), it becomes easier to count a large set of numbers. The use of add-on counters makes it possible to count large numbers, the number of completely counted rosary is deposited on the counter. That is, the counter is the next register when transferring numbers in the numeral system with a base equal to the number of grains in the rosary ring.

2 – reminder:

The rosary itself is a reminder of prayer, united in a ring – of continuous prayer.The device of the rosary is often coordinated with a prayer or other ritual rule, that is, the seeds of a rosary resemble a sequence of words and (or) actions.

3 – setting the rhythm:

Prayer rules, meditative practices and other ritual actions performed using the rosary require a certain rhythm, which is set and maintained by fingering the rosary.

4 – maintaining concentration:

Fingering the rosary allows the practitioner to maintain attention, fight loss of concentration and sleep.So, for example, the incessant repetition of the Jesus Prayer without counting, practiced in hesychasm, presupposes the need to maintain attention, in particular the clarity of the text of the prayer, which is facilitated by the rhythmic fingering of the rosary. Each seed “returns” the believer’s attention to prayer.

5 – symbolism:

The design and shape of the rosary, the number of elements, material, color, way of wearing and using are endowed in various teachings with different symbolic meanings. Most often, rosary beads are associated with cyclicality and infinity, with connection and continuity, with a wreath (crown), and even a “staircase to heaven.”

6 – distinctive sign:

By the look of the rosary, they can draw conclusions about the belonging of their owner to a particular branch of teaching, the degree of his training.

7 – didactic and “doctrinal” function:

By means of beads, aspects of a particular teaching can be transmitted.

8 – treatment:

In some practices, beads made of various materials are endowed with the ability to heal certain ailments. In addition, the fine motor skills of fingers fingering the rosary can help in the treatment of joint diseases.

9 – weapons:

In addition to the symbolic meaning of the “spiritual weapon” against the dark forces, the rosary could be used as a real weapon. Among the exotic varieties of oriental weapons, there are beads with grains of metal (usually iron), which are flexible cold weapons of shock-crushing action, similar in their application technique to combat chains.

10 – status:

Prayer beads used outside of religious purposes, for example, komboloi, or flat rosary-“chatter” can symbolize a special status, “coolness” of the owner.

11 – decoration

Flat rosary beads are used in many cultures
:

They are a flat ribbon that is not connected in a ring, as is customary for a classic rosary. This line consists of a small number of rectangular plates. Loose rosary
usually have 13 elements – plates, but it is also possible with 8, 10 and 12 plates. Loose beads
twist, intercepting with the fingers, around the fingers or the entire palm.

In Brahmanism

In India, rosary beads, as a cult accessory, have existed since time immemorial. And they serve to visually depict the doctrine of the cycle of life, which consists of an innumerable number of rebirths. All this is in tune with Buddhism. But do not forget that Buddhism came out of the depths of, in fact, brahmanism. So, the rosary of the brahmanas have a significant difference from the rosary of the same Buddhists, and even more so from the rosary of other religions. Many centuries ago (approximately 15,000 years) only brahmana priests had the right to wear beads.Moreover, the rosary was black and was called “Rudrakshas”, that is, “Eyes of Rudra.”

Brahmanas created the tradition of making rosary, taking as a basis the images of their gods, or rather the necklaces that were worn on them. These necklaces were not trivial adornments, but a symbol of the worship of the Sun, to which a special supernatural power was attributed. The brahmanas realized that they were not gods, and to level oneself with them means perishing. If the gods can afford to wear the symbol of the Sun on their chest, then the brahmanas, being priests of the cult of the Sun, can afford to wear the same symbol, but not on the chest, but at least on the arm.And this is already being chosen and belonging to the upper class; if the gods punish the brahmanas, then the brahmanas can punish those inferior on the caste ladder of the hierarchy of people. Preaching the cult of the Sun, the brahmanas noted that the Sun, making an annual revolution, moving every day from left to right and forward, has a different position relative to the stars, constantly repeating from year to year. The priests-brahmanas kept their analogous account of the movement of the Sun relative to the 12 planets, by “rolling” the grains on hand beads.And since “above, as well as below”, then the human microcosm is a reflected model of the macrocosm of the Universe. The rosary, thus, reflects the model of the Sun and its rotation in the Cosmos, and is a religious symbol of worship.

In Hinduism

The classic Indian rosary is called mala and consists of 108 beads and one more – Sumeru. The latter is a symbol of the spiritual summit of the world, Mount Meru, and at the same time a reference point when repeating prayers on a rosary.Hindu and Buddhist mantras are also repeated using sumirni – a rosary with fewer beads. This number is most often a multiple of 108 (that is, 54 or 27 beads).

In Buddhism

Eastern countries, such as India, China, Korea, Japan, Ceylon, Pamir, Himalayas, Tibet, Mongolia, Manchuria, Central Asia and others like them, have long been considered regions where beads are the main attribute of the Buddhist faith. Here rosary beads are in the widest use and various designs.The use of rosary here dates back to the hoary antiquity. The emergence of Buddhism is the time of the appearance of a rosary, and the very application for its intended purpose by analogy is attributed to the founder of Buddhism Sakya Muni Buddha (Buddha is the Illuminated, Muni is Saint, Sakya is from the Sakya clan, in the world – Siddhartha). The use of rosary is described in various Buddhist sources over 500 years before the birth of Christ. It is known from the Indian “Vedas” that the Buddhas
and did not invent a rosary, but only assimilated under his faith and ideology from the origins of Buddhism-Brahmanism.

Buddhist rosary traditionally has 54, 27, 21 or 18 beads (knots). Known since the 3rd century. Crystal rosary is one of the attributes of Avalokiteshvara.

The number of grains in traditional Buddhist rosary is 108. This number is sacred among Buddhists, as it was established by the Buddha himself. There is also a rosary containing both a larger and a smaller amount of grains from the key number 108. This is primarily due to the appointment of specific rosary for specific applications.For example, a rosary of 21 grains is dedicated to the cult of the goddess Tara (the female equivalent of an Arhat in Buddhism). In general, the number of grains in a Buddhist rosary indicates belonging to one or another Buddhist school (Hinayana, Mahayana, Tantra), as well as belonging to a particular direction, trend and even a sect in the bosom of Buddhism.


In Christianity


Rosary beads appear in Christianity no later than the 4th century. It is believed that the initial form of the rosary was a rope with tied knots – the so-called “rope”.Various sources indicate different personalities who introduced the rosary into Christian practice. Most often called Saint Pachomius. Rosary beads in monasticism are called “spiritual sword” and are given to a monk at the tonsure. Rosary beads are an attribute in the iconography of the Archangel Selafiel.

The name “rosary”, according to V. Dahl, comes from the words: count, honor (count), thus denoting a counting device – a string of beads or a belt with knots – for counting prayers and bows. The leather rosary is called a rosary.Externally, the rosary is nothing more than balls (cloth, glass, amber, wood, etc.) strung on a string and crowned with a cross. The lestovka is a round belt, which, instead of a cross, has four laposts, and between them there are seven movements and nine leather steps and 100 so-called “butterflies” (or another version – “bobbins”). The lestovka by its purpose coincides with the rosary, also serving to count prayers and bows; it has survived in the everyday life of Old Believers and fellow believers.


Vervitsa (diminutive from Old Russian. Vrv, Old Slav. Vrv – rope) is an outdated and Church Slavonic name for a rosary. In a narrower sense – a nodular variety of a rosary, traditional for the Orthodox Church. Tradition attributes the creation of the rope to Basil the Great. Initially, the rope was not closed in a ring, but was a rope with 103 knots tied on it for counting prayers by illiterate monks. Also, the reading of a certain number of prayers according to the vervitsa replaced, if necessary, the general worship.The use of vervitsa is enshrined in the Nomokanon (rule 87) (Nomokanon (Greek law-rule) – Byzantine collections of church rules and imperial decrees concerning the church, compiled in the 6th-7th centuries and subsequently supplemented.)

The Church Slavonic word “vervitsa” was later used to denote a rosary of a different device: as a belt (such as a modern lestovka of the Old Believers (Lestovka (diminutive from Old-Russian “ladder”, that is, a ladder) – a type of rosary for counting prayers, leather or cloth tape , sewn in the form of a loop and having 109 “steps” (differently “bobbins”), divided into unequal groups.)), and with grains strung on a thread.

At the same time, the tradition of knitting a rosary from a thread or cord with special knots has been preserved. Traditionally, knitted rosary beads have 100 knots, usually divided into quarters (25 each) or decades (10 each) by larger knots or strung dividers. Smaller cords are also used – 50, 33 (in the form of a bracelet) and 10 (in the form of a ring on a finger) nodes. In private monastic practice, it is possible to use long (1000 or more knots) ropes.A knitted rope connected in a ring usually ends with a brush and / or a cross formed from several knots.

In the Balkans, a kind of rosary knitted from sheep’s wool, in fact, a rope, has a special name – broyanitsa and serves as one of the national symbols.

The life of a Christian ascetic is work and prayer. “Pray incessantly” (1 Thess. 5:17) – these are the apostolic words of the podvig of the holy men to the creation of many prayers. But the most famous of them is the so-called Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

For a long time it was believed in Orthodoxy that only monks can use rosary. But now rosary beads are made at every monastery and sold to any believer. Although, in principle, laymen should not use beads; if they do use them, then at least they should not do it in the temple.

If you put together all the works written by the holy fathers about the Jesus Prayer, you get an extensive library. Brevity and simplicity allows any Christian to include it in his daily rule (of course, with the blessing of the confessor), pronouncing a certain number of times – 50, 100, 200… per day. But how do you simultaneously pray and keep track of the count? Beads help with this.

Modern rosary is a closed thread, consisting of small “grains”, separated by dozens of “grains” of larger sizes. The most common number of “seeds” is 50 or 100.

Also in Christianity, rosary beads are recognized with 33 grains on a string, according to the number of years of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. They are also made of various materials and stones (with the exception of serpentine – “the stone of the tempting serpent”, according to the biblical ideas).

Monk’s cell rosary sometimes contains 1000.

Rosary beads help to count (hence the name) the number of prayers or prostrations. The person praying with the fingers of his left hand is sorting through the “seeds” simultaneously with the beginning of the recitation of a new prayer. Having reached a large “grain”, they usually stop and read “Our Father” or “Virgin Mary, rejoice”, then again the Jesus Prayer. At the end of the due date, it is customary to read “It is worthy to eat.” Any other prayer can be performed on the rosary.

In ancient Russia, rosary beads had a different shape – a closed ladder, consisting of wooden blocks, sheathed with leather or cloth. They were called “ladder” or “ladder” (ladder) and spiritually designated the ladder of salvation, ascent to heaven. The closeness of the rosary and the beads means unceasing, eternal prayer.

Rosary beads are part of the vestments of monks, laymen can pray for them, having received a blessing from the confessor. Rosary beads help to pray at work, in public places – just put your hand in your pocket and sort out the “seeds”.

Rosary (Latin rosarium) – traditional Catholic rosary, as well as a prayer read on these rosaries; translated from Latin means “a wreath of roses”. The first mentions of the use of prayer beads similar to the Rosary in Christian monasteries date back to the 9th century. The rosary acquired its modern look in the XIII century. Catholic tradition officially links their appearance with the apparition of the Virgin Mary to St. Dominic in 1214. The Dominican order in the 15th century played a special role in spreading the prayer of the Holy Rosary.It is with this prayer that tradition connects the victory of Catholic Europe over the Turks at Lepanto, in memory of which the feast of the Virgin Mary – Queen of the Rosary was established (October 7)

Classic rosary beads consist of 5 sets of ten small beads and one large bead enclosed in a ring, as well as three small, one large beads and a cross. There are also other, less common varieties.

The prayer of the Rosary, recited on the rosary, is an alternation of prayers Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory, which should be accompanied by reflections on the mysteries that correspond to certain gospel events.

During the persecution of Catholics in England and Ireland from 1540 to 1731, it was possible to receive serious punishment for wearing Catholic paraphernalia. Consequently, compact, hidden rosary forms such as the Irish rosary and the concealed rosary ring have emerged.

The rosary rings were also called soldiers’ rings, because they were often taken with them to battle by soldiers. This type is a ring with ten marks and a cross, which means one decade of the rosary.Such a ring is usually worn on the index finger of the right hand and during operation is most often placed on the second phalanx of the finger to ensure free rotation of the ring. There are also rosary rings, made up of two parts – the actual ring and a movable tire with marks and a cross. Rings of this design are more convenient to use and do not require removal from the first phalanx during use.

Franciscan monks used a seven-decade rosary in memory of the seven joys of the Virgin Mary, called the “Franciscan crown”, “seraphic rosary” or “rose garden of the seven joys of the Virgin Mary.”

Rosary beads in Islam

Muslim rosary
usually count
99
(by number
names of Allah

), 33 or 11 beads and a pendant. Traditional Muslim rosary consists of eleven balls, then – a bridge (oval grain, flat circle, etc.) and then again the same sequence until the specified number of balls. This is based on the fact that Muslim prayer has eleven parts:

  1. Prayer intent.
  2. Standing on your feet.
  3. Pronouncing the words “Allah is great” (Allah hu akbar).
  4. Kneeling.
  5. Falling prostrate.
  6. Saying a prayer.
  7. Repetition of the name of God.
  8. Pronouncing the formula “There is no God but Allah and
    Muhammad

    – His prophet. ”

  9. Greetings.
  10. Pronunciation of different names of Allah (up to 99 names).
  11. Continuous repetition of the commonly pronounced parts of the prayer in chorus after the imam.

Unlike Christian rosary, instead of a cross, in front of the tassel, there is an oval elongated bone (pebble).It symbolizes one of the main teachings of the Prophet Muhammad – faith in the One God.

Large rosary (99 grains) are often made up of two strands and form two knots at the junctions on opposite sides of each other, on each of which tassels are attached. The number 99 means 99 names (epithets) of Allah and they are called “beautiful names”, in Arabic – “al-asma al husna”. For example: “He is Allah, creator, creator, educator. He has the most beautiful names. That which is in heaven and on earth praises Him.He is great, wise! ” (Quran, 59: 22-24).

Hangers

An element is often attached to the rosary connected in a ring. In some Buddhist rosary, one larger and often, unlike the others, a golden pearl is a sign of Buddha. In many traditions, a few beads are left at the free ends of the rosary, which are used as counters for a fully counted rosary. Hindu rosary most often has two identical free ends.Christian rosary often includes a cross, medallion and / or tassel. The Old Believer Ladder has a pendant at the junction of the ends of the tape in the form of four trimmed triangles, in which, in the old tradition, there were seven counting movements.

2.

Rosary beads appeared in the second millennium BC in India. This is a circular cord strung with beads made of wood, glass, natural stone or other materials. Now they are helping believers of various faiths around the world to pray.

There are Muslim, Buddhist, Christian beads. The latter, in turn, include Catholic and Orthodox. They differ in the number of beads, their size, order, material. For example, Muslims are strung on a silk cord, and Orthodox Christians on a woolen cord, and this is not the only difference.

Let’s consider the Orthodox rosary: ​​why are they needed, how they look, how they are used.

What are Orthodox rosary beads for

This word comes from from the Slavic word count
.It contains one of the purposes of the Orthodox rosary – to help the praying person count the number of short prayers and bows. For example, when you need to repeat a prayer to the Mother of God 150 times, it is much easier to sort out the beads on a string than to do the calculations in your head.

Prayer beads help the believer to focus on prayer
, disconnect from the outside world and not be distracted by idle thoughts. Touching smooth beads or knots with your fingertips, a person calms down, relaxes, and gets away from the hustle and bustle.Why else is this attribute of Orthodoxy needed? He reminds the believer to pray
, helps to strengthen the bond of the human soul with the Lord.

Orthodox rosary beads are an integral part of monasticism. They are called the spiritual sword and are given at the tonsure to every monk. Monks do not part with their spiritual sword, for them it is a help in constant prayer, a talisman from scattering attention.

What types of Orthodox rosary beads are divided into

Orthodox rosary beads are divided into the following types:

  • Vervitsa;
  • ladder;
  • lestovka.

Lesovka

The most ancient primordial Slavic Orthodox rosary is ladovka, which means staircase
. This attribute of prayer bears little resemblance to what we know. The ladder is made in the form of a belt, which really resembles a staircase to the Almighty. Steps are fixed along its entire length – these are loops, called bobbins, located and divided according to a certain system. The edges of the ladders are sewn up with triangles called sponges (petals).

Rolls of paper with various prayers are placed inside the barrels.Distinguish between festive, everyday, children’s, women’s, men’s, wedding, memorial and other lestovki. Now they are used only by Old Believers
. You can see these Orthodox rosary beads in photos or in museums.

Ladder

The ladder is like a ladder, closed in a ring. It consists of blocks made of wood, sheathed with leather and fabric. Ladders can be in the form of a leather strip with flagella sewn or attached to it. The ladder can be seen on the icon of the monk in his left hand.

Vervitsa

Vervitsa is closed in a circle rosary
, which have 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and more beads. In monastic cords , the number of beads can be up to a thousand
. The circle symbolizes the believer’s path to God, the continuity and infinity of prayer.

Each ten beads are separated by a small cross or bead of a different size, which makes counting easier. At the junction of the lace, where a knot is formed, the Orthodox rosary is crowned with a cross with a tassel at the end.This truth is called exclaiming by
and reminds the believer of the need to keep the commandments of God. It also symbolizes the resurrection of the edge of the Savior’s robe. Touching the resurrection during prayer, the Orthodox reaches out with his spirit to the resurrection on the robe of Christ, touches the grace of God and receives consolation, healing, and help in the deeds for which he is praying.

Vervice beads can be made of wood, glass, plastic, ivory or natural stones. Another type of string is a rosary made of string, on which knots are tied instead of beads.Such accessories are closer to the Byzantine ones. Not only monks, but also ordinary believers weave Orthodox faiths themselves. This is a very good gift for someone close in spirit. Vervitsa is a modern rosary widely used by the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. With the help of the rope he performed the prayer

Whether to take a blessing to use the rosary

Orthodoxy allows the believer himself to decide whether to use the rope in prayer. It is possible to receive the blessing of the Orthodox Church, but it is not required.

Orthodox rosary – how to use the laity

The rosary is designed to remind believers of tireless prayer, for this purpose they can be carried with you in your pocket, periodically touching smooth beads and turning your thoughts to the Lord. There are very small ropes: ten beads. They can be worn discreetly and twisted like a ring on your finger.

Praying with a rosary is very simple: when you touch one bead, one prayer is said. You can say any short prayer, for example, to the Lord God, your Holy One, the Queen of Heaven – there is a huge variety of options.It is important to do prayer with a soul open to the Lord. When you touch a bead larger than the rest, a special prayer is read, such as the Symbol of Faith.

Repeated recitation of the words of prayer provides an opportunity to disconnect from the mundane, get away from idle thoughts, touch the Almighty through prayer words, and generate something useful, kind, good in the soul.

Orthodox rosary

How to choose the right rosary

When choosing a rosary, think about how and where you will use them, how many times to say prayers with them.The size of the attribute depends on this. Be sure to hold the string you want to purchase in your hands. It should lie nicely in your hand, you should like the color. Orthodox rosary beads are a very personal subject, they should evoke only positive emotions in you. The most common in our country are wooden ones. When choosing them, you can take into account what each type of tree bears, based on the energy of the breed:

  • Oak is a very powerful tree energetically, you can feel it right away, you just have to pick up a product made of its wood.Oak beads give a person their vitality, increase confidence, and bring longevity.
  • Ash is considered a conductor of heavenly knowledge, beads from it help to understand, realize the human divine essence.
  • Juniper protects, protects the owner from any negativity, from otherworldly evil spirits.
  • Hornbeam – a tree of enlightenment, knowledge. Hornbeads help to understand divine texts, their sacred meaning.