subject: Historical Value Of Rosary Beads [print this page] A rosary is the name the Catholics prefer to identify their sets of prayer beads as. Also known as the chaplet these beads are used with the purpose of counting the number of prayers that must be chanted in order to finish a recital session of rosary. Each string of rosary must contain a crucifix and a sequence where two individual beads surround a set of three beads and then again sequence follows for the next link. The chain is further attached to a connector, which is in turn connected to a set of five ten beads each separated by a single bead.
The use of rosary beads dates back to the twelfth century. It is believed that it was Mary"s wish for these beads to be used for prayers. According to Christian mythology, Mary had once asked Saint Dominic to convey the spiritual and devotional significance of rosary beads to the people as these can ward off all the evil influences and bring peace to the society. Thus, from there the rosary beads took shape of pious prayer beads. However, the material of these beads differs hugely today from what it was in the earlier times, but the influence and belief attached with them still remains the same and has even grown stronger with time.
The first set of rosaries consisted of a total of 150 beads. This number hold a great religious value as it relates to the set of psalms contained in the holy bible. These beads are highly helpful for those who do not have access to these written psalms and are looking for a way to be able to practice the correct number of prayers on a regular basis. A religious practitioner can easily move their finger across the beads one by one in order to complete the whole session.
Earlier rosary beads were carried in the form of stones not tied together but available as individual stones in pockets. And people used to count each stone with every prayer. As this method was not very convenient for everyone so, these rosaries took shape of light weight beads all stringed together in form of a chain, which provided great convenience and comfort to the user while praying.
These days the Dominican rosaries consist of a total of 59 beads unlike the earlier rosaries which were made of 150 beads. These chains are divided in to ten separate sections known as "decades" used to say the prayer "Hail Mary". Each section is separated by much larger beads, which are used while chanting "Our Father" prayer.
