History & Society
rosary
religion
Also known as: prayer beads
rosary
Category:
History & Society
- Also called:
- prayer beads
- Related Topics:
- ceremonial object
- prayer
- subḥah
- japa mala
rosary, (from Latin rosarium, “rose garden”), religious exercise in which prayers are recited and counted on a string of beads or a knotted cord. By extension, the beads or cord may also be called a rosary. The practice is widespread, occurring in virtually every major religious tradition in the world. Known as malas, prayer beads are a traditional tool in Buddhism and are especially common among Tibetan Buddhists. It was likely adapted from Hinduism. A mala typically features 108 beads, which are said to represent humanity’s mortal desires, and often ends in a tassel or amulet. The beads are commonly ...(100 of 1004 words)