How to Find Beautiful Rosaries?

Answer 1

Rosaries, strings of beads used to count prayers, have been around since ancient times. The rosary is best known as a Catholic tradition, but is found in some form in nearly every faith, including Islam, Hinduism and Baha’i.

In Catholicism, the rosary is a tool of meditation. While reciting prayers to God and Mary, the mind focuses on certain events in the life and ministry of Jesus. It is not necessary to be Catholic to learn the Rosary and pray it every day. Many people find the rhythm of the prayers and the feel of the beads conducive to a relaxed, clarified state of mind. Some believe that saying the Rosary will eventually lead to world peace.

There is no restriction as to size or materials used to construct a rosary. In fact, a rosary doesn’t have to be a string or chain of beads. People have used buttons, stones, or knots tied in a boot lace. Rosary beads can be strung on sturdy cord or looped on chains. Everyone’s preferences are different, so feel free to look for a rosary that fits your hand and feels comfortable.

Begin your search for the perfect rosary in local stores. Besides church goods stores, try jewelry stores, bead shops, and hospital gift shops. Tell them what you are looking for and ask if you can handle different rosaries. Do you like gold or silver chain, or cord? Large beads or small, oval, round, or heart shaped, smooth or carved with designs? Wood, glass, crystal, plastic, or stone? Rosaries made of natural materials give you a sense of connection with the earth. Precious stones impart a sense of the glory of heaven, like in the books of Ezekiel and Revelations. Any color that appeals to you or reminds you of holy things is fine. Blue is the color traditionally associated with Mary.

The center of the rosary is a small metal plaque which can have an image stamped on. Most rosary centers have a picture of Mary on one side and Jesus on the other, or some devotional image like the Sacred Heart or the Holy Spirit dove. A popular feature for a rosary center is a tiny container with a drop of water from the Holy Land, or from Lourdes, the great healing shrine in France. At the beginning of the rosary -- the short string of five beads -- is a crucifix. You can also find rosaries with plain crosses.

The best thing of all is to find some beads you like and make your own rosary. Most bead shops and a lot of church groups give lessons. Make your rosary in a spirit of joy, even fun, and Thanksgiving to God. You may find you like making rosaries so much you want to make more and give them as gifts or send them to missions around the world.