Prayer Beads

            As the holiday season comes upon us, we here at Cherry Tree Beads have been reflecting on the significance of beads and what role they play in the life of people across the globe. One of the most common uses for beads throughout history is in prayer jewelry used to help people concentrate while praying or reciting mantras. The image of a prayer necklace can be traced back to the 17^th century B.C in the fresco “Adorants” located in Akrotiri, Santorini; moreover, the depiction itself invoked in us the idea of how the use of prayer beads have become deeply ingrained into the life of people all across the globe. 

Up close of the Fresco "Adorants" with one of

 the first known depictions of prayer beads

          
       The month of December envelops eighteen different religious holidays, including Christianity, Judaism, and even Buddhism; moreover, the majority of these religions have a set of standard prayer beads that are used for concentration through out the recital of prayer and mantra. During this holiday season, we wanted to take the time to look at prayer beads and share with you our selection of beads and supplies to make your own prayer jewelry for the holiday season. These cold, mystical winter days are a perfect time to create a beautiful piece that carries great significance and can be a soothing activity to come home to after a day out and about in the crazy rush of the holidays. 
             
         There are a large variety of prayer beads and jewelry that can be found throughout the different religions of the world, many of the prayer beads are also used across religions for different and unique purposes. Some of the religions that regularly use prayer beads include Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and the Bahá'í Faith. Each religion that uses prayer beads often use the beads to help concentrate on not only their prayers but to help relax and to have a calming experience. Often, prayer beads become a heirloom that is passed down to each generation, bringing with it stories that can create bonds through generations of a family.  Prayer beads have also become a popular fashion trend throughout the centuries as people embrace more diverse and handmade pieces of jewelry. 
            
          We have been carrying our "Mala" strands for a little over a year as Mala necklaces have become a fashion trend. Some have been wearing and using Malas as prayer beads and others have just embraced the style. We are beginning to explore different prayer beads and the different methods of creating a unique and personal way for everyone to make prayer jewelry that can be unique to them and their beliefs. Many of the materials we have curated for our prayer beads are a selection of the traditional beads and materials used, but we have also branched out to include stones and materials that have different properties that may be seen as helpful for the mind and body, even if they may not be the most common beads to use as prayer beads.

A small selection of the beads
and tassels we have available 

              
            Worry beads are another common use of beads that, although they hold no religious significance, are commonly used as a way to relax, to guard against bad luck, and can be a mark of power and high social standing. Worry beads are found primarily in Greece and, although used by both genders, are largely used by men as a way to keep the hands busy and to even make music on occasion.
              
           We hope that you have found inspiration to create your own unique prayer jewelry for yourself or as a gift. We understand how busy the holidays can be with travel, family, work, and trying to stay relaxed as the new year approaches. Creating a beautiful piece of prayer jewelry can also be a way to slow things down and find gratitude as 2019 comes to a close.