Question for Catholics

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by Karen
A rosary is a traditional string of "beads" - often made from rose petals - which helps people recite the prayer by that name. See here for more information and more links about the Rosary.

Here's one example image

OMG!!! That is soooo interesting.....mainly because we (Muslims) also use prayer beads, that look very, very similar to those.

Our prayer beads usually have 99 beads strung together, with 1 big bead at the end (with strings attached to it). Its mainly used to keep count of the phrases you use when praying/supplicating to God, etc. I *think* it has 99 beads and 1 main one, because Muslims have 99 names for God. They're actually 100 including *Allah*, but that is the main name. The other 99 are names that basically describe God. For example, The Merciful, The Compassionate, The Forgiver.....etc... Here's a list of them all... http://www.dawateislami.net/general/devotions/99names/

The beads we use have no significance though.....and they're not considered holy, or anything. People mainly use them to keep count when saying prayers. I have several, but honestly never use them. I can't imagine wearing one. Though they are not holy to us and just used to keep count when supplicating, I just don't think there's a point in wearing it....even though it *looks* like a necklace. Its not something that's made to wear.

Do Catholics consider rosaries holy? If so, I think it might offend them to see someone wear it....especially if its not something that's meant to be worn.

Very interesting to know this. I had no idea.