The Meaning of the Rosary

The rosary has been historically used by Roman Catholics around the world to offer up prayers to God and Mary. Rosaries are wonderful to use in a time of need or suffering. Most rosaries consist of a string of beads. Rosaries are also used by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, to offer up prayers to their Gods.

In the Western World, the rosary commonly consists of 10 sets of beads and the "Hail Mary" is one prayer that is offered up separated by one bead to recite another prayer called "Our Father." These are both common prayers in the Roman Catholic Church. Hail Mary's are usually prayed while meditating on the events of the lives of Jesus and Mary. During these prayers, one should try and focus on the sacrifice both Jesus and Mary gave for mankind. When praying to Jesus, one should focus on the dieing and suffering on the cross that Jesus endured as the ultimate sacrifice for all the sins of mankind. The Virgin Mary carried the baby Jesus that would be later known as the Savior of the World. Another common prayer is Glory be to the Father that is usually recited after each seat of beads. Often times throughout the prayers, there are meditations on a series of biblical themes.

I think rosaries are most useful during times of great suffering or challenges in life. I personally carry a rosary with me at all times just in case the enemy is lurking near. Rosaries are as good as guardian angels in my opinion.

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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.

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