Rosary is a string of 59 beads, a crucifix, and a stamped metal medallion with the image of the Virgin Mary, used to count and keep track of the number of “Hail Mary’s” recited during Roman Catholic rituals.
     The Rosary beads are the Catholic version of the malas of the Hindus and Buddhists and is probably derived from the “worry beads” of the Moslems.
     Rosaries of various forms are said by Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. The Catholic rosary, which has several variations but most commonly is devoted to Mary, is thought to have developed seven centuries ago and became popular as a way for the largely illiterate laity to participate in prayers that previously had been reserved for literate monks.
     The rosary the thread of beads that Catholics for centuries have used for prayers is making a comeback. Driven by the soaring interest in Wicca and Paganism (synonymous with ritual) and a revival of devotion to Mary by Catholics, rosary sales have gradually but steadily in-creased in recent years. 
     The resurgent popularity of praying with the rosary comes after years in which the practice was frowned upon as old-fashioned, distracting, superstitious, or even idolatrous.
    The rosary, often said in church until the mid-1960s, is now generally said in private. But sales of rosary beads, according to two Northeastern manufacturers, have quadrupled recently.
    Even more recently there has been an increase in the sale of rosary bracelets, a religious analogue of the charm bracelet that has become popular among teenage Catholic girls. The bracelets can be worn as jewelry, or can be used as prayer beads — five revolutions completes the devotion.
    The diversity of beads is growing — rosaries are available in wood, plastic, gems, precious metals, ceramic, cloisonne, coral, crystal, glass, malachite, mother-of-pearl or rhinestone. Particularly popular are rosaries made from a worshiper’s birthstone, or from the fashionable black quartz onyx or the iron-hued mineral hematite, suppliers say.
    “There can be a commercial element that is limited only by the marketing cleverness of the seller,” sald John Walsh, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston.
    Dealers say sales of high-end rosaries are up — you can now spend as much as $4500, or as little as 49 cents — as are sales to two relatively untapped markets: men and Protestants.
    Catholics use the rosary to say a set of prescribed prayers, holding an individual bead for each prayer. The rosary can be said in as little as five minutes, but many people spend a half-hour or longer. Some Catholics carry a rosary in a pocket and say prayers while exercising or driving, while others set aside time each day for the ritual 
    Rosaries are often purchased as gifts for First Communion ceremonies, as hospital giveaways, or for inclusion in caskets. But the beads also have appeared in somewhat unlikely places and for occasionally irreligious uses.

The Rosary Prayer

The Rosary devotion is comprised of several prayers, which are all rooted in Scripture.  Below, you can read about the traditional order of these prayers in the Rosary. People often pray with rosary beads to guide their time in prayer, though they are not necessary for praying the devotion.

Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, ... He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.