History of Worry Beads
Worry Beads evolved in ancient Greece from prayer beads. Today they have no religious significance. A full set of Greek worry beads are called Komboloi (meaning prayer) and a “mini set”, “half set” or “trick set” of Greek Worry Beads are called Begleri.
There are two schools of thought about the number of beads there should be in a Komboloi, a prime number for good luck or 33 being the years Christ was alive.
Begleri sets have an even number of beads for good luck.
Although not strictly worry beads Chinese Baoding Balls are designed to do the same thing, help you relax. They are two metal balls that the user rolls in one hand. Although they do warm up, when starting, they are nearly always cold and uninviting.
The English Worry Bead Co have replaced the Komboloi with the 1Pear and 1Pear (king), the Begleri with the 2Pear and 2Pear (combo) and the Chinese Baoding Balls with the 3Pear.
The Future of Worry Beads
At The English Worry Bead Co we have analysed what it is about the traditional worry beads that gives the benefits to the users. What we have done, and will continue to do, is further develop objects that can be twiddled* with to help users relax or be distracted. Like all things that are used frequently you can become bored. Experience has shown us that if the user does become bored or has no new tricks to learn then the benefits of the worry beads will reduce.
To “twiddle” is to aimlessly play with an object in your hand or fingers.
Our ethos is to create sets or objects that are:
- Things of beauty
- Made from natural products such as wood.
- Unique and therefore personal to each user
- Help the user reduce their heart rate and relax
- Interesting to use
- Capable of using in tricks that will require practice
- Capable of being carried about the person.
Benefits
Improves:
- Relaxation
- Memory retrieval
- Problem solving
- Creative thinking
- Quality of sleep
- Self confidence.
Reduces:
- Stress
- The affects of anxiety, depression, Asperger’s Syndrome and OCD
- Cravings when giving up or reducing; alcohol, food or cigarettes etc
- Exam nerves
- Distress when facing phobias such as flying or the dentist
- Anger issues.