The rosary is an extraordinarily rich act of devotion that grew gradually, developing throughout the long term. The previously recorded utilization of "rosary" did not show up until 1597. However, the foundations of the rosary are found far before this time.
Origin
There are varying perspectives on the historical backdrop of the Rosary. The specific conception of the Rosary as devotion is not exactly clear and often subject to disagreement among researchers. The utilization of prayer ropes in Christianity can be traced back to the third and fourth centuries. The time frame after the First Council of Ephesus in 431 saw steady development in the practice of Marian devotion during the Middle Ages.
The Hail Mary Prayer
| Some Catholic heritage suggests that the Rosary was given to Saint Dominic in an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1214 and encouraged wherever he traveled. While many do not know the development of the rosary as its prevalence today, scholars do know that there was a version of the Hail Mary around that time. |  |
The official approval of the rendition of the Hail Mary prayer we pray today was in 1568.
Rosary Beads
 |
Did you know that the word bead derives from the Old English word that means prayer? Pretty interesting, right? The Rosary is made up of fifty-nine beads exactly - six large beads for the Our Father Prayer, and fifty-three smaller beads for the Hail Mary prayer. |
Ten groups of small beads, or five decades, make up the main portion of the rosary.
If you want to make a rosary, you will need the following supplies:
- 53 beads (the decades) – 8 mm size creates a standard-sized rosary
- 6 larger beads (Our Father) – suggest 10 mm size beads
- 4 jump rings (3 if your Crucifix has a jump ring)
- 1 Crucifix
- 14 three-link chains
- 1 Rosary medallion
- Flat nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters
In the meantime, gather your rosary supplies, and stay tuned to a follow-up blog on “How To” make a rosary. You can always check out Jena Jewelry’s Rosaries or contact me to create a one-of-a-kind, custom rosary for yourself or someone you love.