A Spiritual Account of Bead
Since the first human found a shell with a hole in it and a vine to string through it, human kind has been intrigued by the significance of beads. Beautiful examples of pre-Columbian beads exist that are essentially rocks with holes drilled through them, yet for all their simplicity they exude a sense of purpose and spiritual vibe. Beads are often used as aides to prayer. Here are just a few examples.
The earliest use of prayer beads can be traced to Hinduism, where it is called a Japa Mala and has 108 beads. Japa is the repeating of the name of God or a mantra, while Mala itself is a Sanskrit term meaning 'garland' or 'necklace'. The most common materials used for making the beads is Rudraksha seeds
Muslim prayer beads are used to recite the 99 Names of God.
Sikhs use a prayer string made of wool with 108 knots instead of beads. Catholic Christians use the Rosary as Prayer beads. The Rosary’s name comes from the Latin name “rosarium," meaning "crown of roses. The Pearls of Life, invented by Swedish Bishop Emeritus Martin Lönnebo, is a set of 18 beads, some round and some elongated, arranged in an irregular pattern. Each one has its own significance as a reminder for meditation.