The History of the Rosary

The Rosary or "garland of roses" is a popular and traditional Roman Catholic devotion. I have just recently found an obsession with rosaries. Along with that obsession came a greater respect for their purpose and history. I find them to have a beautiful presence about them. The first time I placed one around my neck I felt a chill down my spin. I can't help but imagine the spiritual moments that took place with these simple representations of devotional prayer.

The rosary prayers are repeated sequences of the Lord's Prayer followed by ten prayings of the Hail Mary and a single praying of "Glory Be to the Father". Each of the prayer sequences is known as a decade.

Since the seventeenth century, the Rosary has appeared as an element in key pieces of Roman Catholic Marian art. This Roman Catholic Marian art often depicts the Virgin Mary. Examples of this art include Murrillo's Madonna with the Rosary at the Museo del Prado in Spain, and the statute of Madonna with Rosary at the church of San Nazaro Maggiore in Milan. There are a few Roman Catholic Marian churches around the world that have also been named after the rosary. Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica, in Rosario Argentina is one. Then there is the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes and of course Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

I have enjoyed delving into the history of the rosary while incorporating them into my work. They speak in such volumes of the Catholic religion and the devotion in which it is lived.

To learn more about rosaries and to see the part they play in my jewelry collections please click the link below.

http://www.blacksparrowjewelry.com