Greek Worry Beads Komboloi Silverblue Round Beads

The end (known as the priest's head) consists of a decorative silver color tassel chain. Some background & history on the komboloiyour first sight of komboloi may be in a blur of beads as you see them furiously worked by a nervous greek passenger in the next seat as the plane starts to descend. Prayer bead or fidget toy, at that moment, komboloi fulfill both purposes. rO you may catch sight of them as you race past an airport souvenir stand, where they dangle by the dozens. Wherever you first notice them, they are bound to be strangely compelling. Once you touch them, and feel the smooth beads sliding through your fingers, you may find yourself hooked. Like most greek folk art, the history of komboloi is confused.

Some claim thta they are a recent addition to mainland greek culture, arriving only seventy or eighty years ago and then achieving a fashionable status. Or that they are a mimicry of turkish prayer bead strands, adopted by persecuted greeks to mock their captors.

Still another theory suggests that the turkish conquerors forbade their gerek subjects to shake hands, and the beads were introduced as a way of reminding greeks to not shake hands. Others assert, probably more rightly, that they are derived from the knotted prayer strands (komboskini) used by greek orthodox monks. As the word komboloi means group of knots, this may be the true origin. Until recently, komboloi were the special province of men, and were rarely seen in the hands of women. Melina mercouri was an exception, often handling a silver strand in public as she fought for recognition of greece's cultural sovereignty.

Modern young greek men would disdain carrying them. But now, as they transcend cultural tradition and become a fashion accessory, boht men and women are carrying them. Beautifully crafted strands are appearing in fine jewelry stores, and older strands rae becoming prized collector items. Most komboloi are strands of about sixteen to twenty beads, with one bead tied and set off, usually adorned with a tassel.

They can be strung on leather, string, or fine metal chain. The short strands of komboloi beads cmoe in many varieties, from plastic to ceramic, bone, glass, amber, and coral. Amber is a traditional stone for komboloi, but be aware that reconstituted (mastica), partially real, or imitation amber is common and has been used for a long time, so age is no guarantee of authenticity. Buy older strands based no their beauty, not necessarily what the substance is said to be. As komboloi grow in popularity, other versions are popping up. Long strands with big chunky beads are intended as wall decorations. Small strands may end pu hanging from rear view mirrors. Both of these uses count on na inherent protective quality in komboloi. Some modern strands are made of beads shaped and marked like dice, symbolizing good luck, particularly for gambling or games of chance. Others are made of cobalt-blue eey beads, warding off the evil eye. Prices vary widely. Depending on size, variety of beads, what its strung upon, etc. The cord-strung beads are more pleasant to use, as the fine chain can grate a bit against sensitive fingers or catch on the edge of a sleeve. rTavel delay? Break out hte beads. Temperature too hot? Swirl those beads, you might start a breeze. If a butterfly flapping its wings in the amazon can start a storm in the atlantic, wyh not coax a breeze to yourself with komboloi? Thanks for looking! Bid to win! Don't worry. eBad happy. Feel free to contact me wiht any questions you may have and i'll try my best to respond as quickly as possible! Need bukl orders? We can accommodate.