The Komboloi has a rich history. The definition is composite. The original Greek word “kompoloyio” is separated into “Kompos” meaning knot and “loyio” meaning a collection. It seems that the Komboloi was first used by the Ancient Greeks who used its rhythmic clicking and swirling to relieve anxiety. Such beads were also used by both Muslims and Buddhists as part of their religious activities.
Most Greek komboloi comprise of 17 to 33 beads, made of variable materials, always in odd number and a single bead that is tied 8-9 cm away from the rest, called vizier or imam. There is no particular definition as far as concerns the number of the beads, but some believe that, for a komboloi to be complete, a total of 33 beads is required, which for many people symbolize the years of Christ’s human existence.
Unlike prayer beads designed for other cultures the Greek komboloi has always left a space for the beads to move and flow along the cord, allowing the beads to be free to create soothing sounds for the user.
The komboloi was widely used until the 1940’s but then fell out of popularity. Over the last 10 years though the komboloi has seen a resurgence in use.
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