Rosary beads, as an auxiliary tool for turning to God, exist in every religion in the world. They can be of various colors and textures, old and newfangled. But they have one purpose - each bead means a specific prayer.
Initially, to read the required amount of sacred text, natural materials suitable for fingering were used - pebbles, seeds or plant bones. The creator of the rosary, the prototype of the current ones, is the founder of the schema school, Pachomius the Great.
A monk living in the 4th century noticed that most novices were illiterate and could not read the prayer without a book, and to make it easier to remember the text and the number of bows, he suggested tying a knot on a piece of simple rope.
Later, with the development of the monastic movement, wooden blocks began to be strung on a thread. Since then, the rosary has been a protection against demonic attack, a spiritual sword, and is given to the novice when he is tonsured a monk.
The meaning of rosaries for Orthodox Christians
Modern Orthodox Christians serve rosaries in the same way as they served their spiritual ancestors:
- A cord with beads will help you turn to God at any time. A reminder of continuous prayer with a sequence of words and actions.
- Maintaining attention and concentration. The tactile sensation of the beads helps the believer maintain the direction of the text.
- The rhythmic fingering of the rosary sets a certain pace and does not allow one to deviate from the prayer.
- Carrying a rosary with you allows you to turn to God anywhere.
- By the shape and number of beads, one can determine the degree of the owner’s affiliation with the faith and his hierarchical level.
- Blessed rosaries are endowed with the ability to heal diseases.
- The configuration of the rosary is a circle, which symbolizes infinity and, with due diligence, the opportunity to touch eternal spiritual life.
For a true believer, the correct use of rosaries with the reading of prayers, if it is impossible to visit the temple, replaces church services.
Practical and pleasant rosary function
When a person is noticeably nervous and doesn’t know where to put his hands, then rosary beads are a great help in such a situation. If you hold them in your hands, people will definitely pay attention to you, because this is not an everyday accessory.
This is an additional topic for conversation, since although the product relates primarily to religion, the manufacturing process itself and the scope of application of the rosary can be of interest to any interlocutor. By the way, moving his attention to his hands will distract him from hidden flaws in his appearance.
Silver rosary (Muslim) or from other expensive materials - valuable metals, precious stones - will emphasize the status of their owner. There are collectors of these products, whose treasures number many examples and are in no way inferior to other works of art.
When choosing, remember that the product, first of all, should fit comfortably in your hand. High-quality beads should be elastic and pleasant to move. It is worth paying attention to the distance between the grains, the quality of the material from which the beads are made, and the condition of the thread.
Consider what the rosary is for: large items will not be suitable if you plan to carry them with you all the time. If you like rosary beads and are interested in using them, then it is better to have products of different shapes, colors and sizes on hand.
Number of beads on Orthodox rosary
Modern rosary beads for Orthodox Christians are a closed chain of beads, most often strung on a woolen thread. How many should there be? The quantity varies, from ten to one hundred, or they contain 33 peas, according to the number of earthly years of the Savior.
Every ten beads serve as a reminder of the commandments of Christ and are separated by balls of different texture or size. This allows you to completely immerse yourself in prayer without getting lost in counting. The rosary is crowned with an Orthodox cross with the image of Christ, which reminds of humility and the call to perform spiritual deeds for good. Sometimes under the cross of Christ there is a thread tassel, which priests use to sprinkle holy water.
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Christianity
Rosary beads are quite common among people who profess Orthodox Christianity. They are used by both priests and ordinary laymen, but some members of the clergy believe that this is an instrument exclusively for monks. In Christianity they appeared earlier than the 4th century. But initially it was a simple rope with tied knots, and this tool was called a vervitsa.
Catholicism
They have their own name - the rosary. They number 50 beads, which are divided into 5 decades. But products are known containing both 33 and 150 grains.
Orthodoxy
Usually there are 100 beads (considered a monastic instrument), but there can be rosaries with 33 grains (according to the number of Christ’s earthly years). The number of elements must be a multiple of 10 or 12.
Brojanica is a special type of rosary, popular in the states of the Balkan Peninsula (especially common in Serbia and Montenegro). Essentially, this is a strip knitted with a special weave. The material used is often sheep wool.
Old Believers
In the Old Believers, almost all agreements and interpretations have their own rosary - lestovka. Made from leather, made in the form of a ribbon. Includes 109 beads, called bobbins or steps, with tightly rolled rolls of paper inserted into them. Previously, each of them had Jesus' prayer written on it, but today this idea is practically not supported.
Any detail in the ladder has a spiritual symbolic meaning. In addition, there are products for men, women and even children.
Anglicanism
Anglican rosaries (they are also ecumenical) similarly have 33 elements (according to the number of years of Jesus’ earthly life - as in Orthodoxy), but are divided into groups (as in the Catholic rosary).
The groups, in turn, make up “weeks” of 7 small beads (4), separated by large cross-shaped beads (3). And attached to one of the large ones is an additional thirty-third (2) (so-called invocation) bead, to which a cross (1) is attached.
Lutheranism
Martin Lønnebo, a Lutheran priest, introduced his own type of rosary, which are called pearls of life. Traditionally, they consist of 18 beads, which may differ in appearance.
Differences in Christian and Muslim rosaries
Muslim rosary. The main feature of Christian rosaries is the presence of a cross at the ends of the threads.
Therefore, it is quite easy to distinguish Orthodox rosaries from Muslim ones. In addition, there are 11 beads in a Muslim rosary link, according to the writings of the Prophet Muhammad. Accordingly, the total number of beads can range from 11 to 99 pieces, according to the number of names of Allah.
If Orthodox rosaries are most often made of wood, then Muslim products are made of glass and semi-precious stones. They are usually strung on a silk thread. Often prayer beads for Muslims look like a work of art and amaze with their luxury. The junction of the thread is decorated with a brush, a crescent or a family talisman.
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Material for rosary
There are quite a lot of materials, and their choice is unlimited. Wood, rope, semi-precious and precious stones and minerals are used to make the product. There is also simpler material - seeds of various fruits, peas and beans, shells, corn seeds.
The last one listed is a natural and healing material. In the process of friction, the rosary becomes electrified, and the person receives a small charge of electricity - the effect of electrophysiotherapy.
Muslim rosary beads made of wood help relieve headaches and improve sleep. If the material for the product was fragrant wood, for example, juniper, then they are stored in a closed box in order to preserve the smell.
Once upon a time, the Turkish nobility preferred rosary beads made of natural stones. Products made from rock crystal were the most popular. Their beads were cool, and their faceted grains created small rainbows of sunlight. The craftsmen crowned them with silver tassels, each of which was a work of jewelry.
Today, Muslim rosaries are made from synthetic materials. Their production has long been on an industrial scale, and they are sold at a fairly low price. Rosary beads brought from Turkey are a worthy and memorable gift.
How to pray the rosary correctly
There are no strict rules or special prayers using rosaries. Each layman himself determines the order of prayer, the main thing is that the prayer comes from the heart and soul with all sincerity. If the mind of a lay person is occupied by spiritual anxiety for a loved one, prayers for the health, peace or health of the sick person will help.
However, there is a generally accepted church practice that guides the correct combination of prayer and rosary.
Each bead on a religious attribute symbolizes a prayer for Jesus Christ. Holding the first bead with his thumb and forefinger, the parishioner reads the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” or the prayer to the Mother of God: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us.”
Having reached the dividing ball, the layman says “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice” or “It is worthy to eat”, the Creed or the Fiftieth Psalm. You can add a prayer to the Guardian Angel, your saint, and do not forget to make the sign of the cross.
At the end of the entire thread of the rosary, the main prayer of all Christianity, “Our Father,” is read.
Repeated prayer helps to delve deeper into the meaning and provides the opportunity to contact the Lord.
In order not to be distracted from reading the prayer, the believer needs to take a comfortable position of the body and focus attention. Only with complete dedication to prayer can one receive joy and peace from closeness with the Lord.
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From the history of the appearance of rosaries
The history of the appearance of this item goes back to the distant past, when they were a mandatory accessory of monks. The very name “rosary” is directly related to counting. They turned out to be indispensable for repeated reading of prayers.
The monks had to read prayers many times throughout the day. But since not all of them were literate, in order not to lose count, they held strings in their hands, on which they tied a knot after each reading.
Later, they began to use rosaries made from pebbles, shells, large seeds or grains of cultivated plants. They were strung on a woolen thread or leather ribbon. After each prayer, those holding a kind of counting material in their hands moved with their fingers from one element to another.
Is it necessary to take a blessing?
The Church does not strictly prohibit the use of rosaries by a lay person, so use without an individual blessing is permissible. However, a sincere and deeply religious person should turn to a priest for permission and guidance to use the rosary.
A clergyman, observing the life of a layman and listening to confession, himself determines how important solitary prayer with the rosary is for an Orthodox Christian. The one who wants to save his soul will sooner receive blessings, but the person looking for fun will be denied.
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The influence of rosary on the state of mind
The use of the accessory served and still has another function: it calms and prepares the worshiper to be completely immersed in prayer. One of the well-known jewelers in the Muslim world, working and living in the United Arab Emirates, spoke about the influence of rosaries on the one who uses them. He argued that by taking them in hand, a person conveys his feelings and thoughts in tasbih, freeing his soul and mind from worldly worries.
If something is bothering you, just take the tasbih and start going over it, and the worry will disappear by itself. This is his secret. It makes it possible to concentrate, free oneself from harmful, restless thoughts and guides the believer on the path of self-improvement through constant reading of dhikr.
There is an opinion that the rosary represents every day of our life or every moment of it that a person lives. Touching the rosary helps you realize the transience of life and let go of your day into eternity.
How to make Orthodox rosary with your own hands
Making rosary beads for yourself is quite simple. First, you need to determine what material they will be made of, because such an individual object of religion accumulates the power of faith and has a strong energy field that can calm a person and bring him into peace of mind.
The simplest option for making rosary beads is a regular cord with knots tied on it.
The number of nodes will mean:
- You can make your own rosary. Thirty and three dividing beads - the age of Christ.
- Fifty knots symbolize Pentecost.
- The seventy knots are reminiscent of the seventy apostles.
- A rosary of one hundred knots is a classic option for monks.
Also, an easy way is to make rosary beads from ready-made beads of different sizes and woolen thread purchased at a craft store. After each ball is strung, a knot is tied on the thread. The completed chain is decorated with a brush.
Beads for rosaries are made of glass, stone or amber. But most often they use natural wood. The warm texture of wood can give vital energy, protect against evil spirits and negativity, teach patience and meekness and provide enlightenment of the mind.
To make the product you will need:
- Beading thread or thin fishing line.
- A block of selected wood.
- Drill with a thin drill bit for wood.
- Sandpaper, finely cut file.
- Varnish or stain for coating the finished product.
- Cross.
- Jigsaw.
It is recommended to use gloves to protect your hands.
First, you should think about how many beads will be in the rosary. Procedure:
- Beads are strung on a thread. Markings are made on a wooden block in accordance with the intended number of beads.
- The workpiece is sawn into pieces.
- A hole is drilled in the center of each element.
- The shape is shaped with a file, and the splinters are polished with sanding paper. You should remember about the dividing balls, they should differ in size.
- The blanks are varnished.
- The dried beads are put on a thread or fishing line, alternating with separating balls every ten beads. At the end a cross is added.
- The finished thread is secured with a knot.
To make it easier to sort through the beads, it is advisable to leave a small gap between the beads.
Whatever the rosary is made of, it is important to remember that they are a personal amulet and provide peace of mind when combined with prayer coming from the heart.
What are rosary beads?
It can be assumed that each of us has an idea about this subject, although often very distant. Outwardly, they resemble a necklace with many beads (grains) strung on a thread. They can be round or oval - the shape is not limited to a couple of options.
The thread that connects the beads together forms a circle when fastened together. The place of fastening itself can also be decorated with beads, as well as a tassel made of threads, chains or other materials, depending on the religion of the owner.
The rosary has long become the embodiment of the flow of life.
Additional instructions
It is necessary to distribute the number of bows to each person so that the total is 50. For example, for the Savior - 30, for the Mother of God - 15, and for other saints - 5.
- The main (Jesus) prayer, while fingering the Orthodox rosary, should be said as if automatically, without tension in the mind. A person trained in this matter pronounces praises at any time, working or resting. The remaining prayers should also be repeated an infinite number of times.
- The main condition is to always remember that the Lord sees every action, therefore an Orthodox believer must behave with dignity.
- The lower the bows are made, the more a person will receive. Hard work has a higher price.
- It is not necessary to touch the ground with your hand. Another is applying to holy icons during the performance of appropriate praises and petitions.
- An ideal prostration should end with a full straightening of the back. The more deep and unhurried they are, the greater the work done in the name of the Almighty.
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Prayer tradition
Nowadays, various religious movements are actively spreading throughout the world; 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.
Reading mantras
Many can even remember the peculiar “prayer books” of the times of communism, which were repeated at party meetings and glorified the leaders and theoreticians of communism.
Thus, it is easy to draw a general conclusion from here - these prayers have an effect and allow you to work with consciousness in a certain way and strengthen faith. You just 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 appealed to Marx throughout his earthly journey is unlikely to be helped by Marx to ascend, while an Orthodox Christian who prayed to the Savior and the Mother of God has much more favorable prospects.
Although some may not realize this or simply not pay attention, in Orthodoxy unceasing prayer is generally prescribed for all believers. It is not only hesychasts or monks who need to pray unceasingly. Ideally, even a simple person, going about his worldly affairs, can mentally say short prayer phrases (for example, the Jesus Prayer or “Hail to the Virgin Mary”) and thus work not only with his body, but also with his soul, performing simple worldly affairs.
Using Tools
Continuous prayer, for one reason or another, is not accessible to everyone. All that remains is to set aside some period during the day to read a certain number of prayers, and for this you need a rosary in order to count. 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 a number in the mind; some additional tool is required.
Using a rosary to recite prayers
It is more convenient to use a rosary to measure the number of prayers said during the day. For example, some people read a certain number of “circles” throughout the day, when they can find privacy.
Of course, you need to choose an accessory according to your own taste, so that it is pleasing to the eye and puts you in a positive prayer mood. You should never “show off” your rosary, consider this item as some kind of nice toy or something similar to a fashionable element of your wardrobe. This 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.
Broyanitsa
This is the Serbian version of the Orthodox rosary. It is a simplified and more compact version of the rope and is similar to home sewing. Broyanitsa is worn on the hand in the form of a bracelet. It is made mainly from leather, woolen threads, and thick fabric. The required number of knots is 33. This number is associated with the number of years lived by Jesus Christ 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 broyanitsa or make it yourself. It should be given away.
Modern rosary beads and their uses
Since their appearance, rosaries have quietly “migrated” from religious paraphernalia to the parachurch and even criminal world. At a certain period, they began to be used as an attribute of wealth and inclusion in a thieves' conglomerate. Even such a concept as “prisoner’s rosary” appeared, which has nothing to do with Orthodoxy.
Esotericists and representatives of oriental medicine note that sorting grains or beads calms the nerves, puts them in a peaceful mood and even normalizes breathing. However, this has nothing to do with Orthodox Christianity.
Now Orthodox rosaries are allowed to be used only by monks or high clergy. For Old Believers, rosary beads are an integral attribute of any believer. The Russian Orthodox Church considers it undesirable to wear rosaries as decoration or to pray with them without the blessing of a spiritual guide.
It is customary to keep this religious attribute, not show it to strangers, and even pass it on from generation to generation. Having learned what Orthodox rosaries are and how to use them correctly so as not to sin and harm your soul, you can...
Rosary is an ancient attribute of church rituals of all religions. In the explanatory dictionary V.I. Dahl writes: “A rosary (from counting, honor) is a string of beads, a belt with knots, used in cathedrals for counting prayers and bows.”
But the rosary is also a unique healing tool. Simply fingering the rosary with your fingers can relieve various diseases, calm the nerves, relieve fatigue, and increase the overall tone of the body.
Rosary beads are an individual item, so it is not advisable to transfer them to anyone for temporary use. After practicing with the rosary, it is recommended to release the tension from it with a wave of your hand and wipe it with a dry cloth. Store this unique item in a dry place and carry it in a cloth bag.
History of origin
A rosary is a religious attribute that has its own characteristics in every culture and religion. A rosary is a certain number of elements made of almost any material (gems, wood, plant seeds), strung on a regular rope or ribbon, which, as a rule, is closed in a ring.
Rudraksha beads
The first rosary dates back to 2000 BC. e. and were found in the territory of modern India. In ancient times, they were intended to count the number of prayers read, bows and other ritual actions adopted in different religious movements.
The rosary contributed to a person’s concentration on the main action, taking on the role of a counter. In meditation techniques, they performed a different function - maintaining the rhythm of reading mantras.
The main task of the attribute is to maintain the concentration and concentration of the worshiper.
