Braided bracelet with wooden cross

Handmade bracelet with wooden inserts is woven by the monks of Mount Athos. The length of the bracelet is 19 cm. It has a wooden cross woven into it, which makes it not just a decorative bracelet, but a Christian symbol of faith. The cross has an image of Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus. Inscription on the back of the cross: Άγ. Όρος (Holy Mountain).

The bracelet is suitable for any wrist size due to the adjustable cord.

Like all Athos handicrafts, the bracelets are woven by hand with diligence and unceasing prayer. Labor is an integral part of monastic life. According to tradition, each monk chooses work according to his liking and abilities; he then works daily, while praying incessantly. This is why every such piece of handicraft work is a priceless gift and a true blessing from the Holy Mountain.

Komboskini bracelets

Greek komboskini bracelets are woven by the monks of the Mount Athos monasteries with prayer and for prayer. The name of the bracelet reflects its essence and purpose: in Greek, kombos (κόμπος) means "knot", and skini (σχοινί) is a rope or cord.

The weaving of the komboskini bracelets is always accompanied by continuous prayer. Tying each knot, monks say: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Due to this, Greeks believe that komboskini bracelet protects the person who wears it. But the bracelets also have a more practical use: like prayer ropes, they are used by the prayers to go through the knots and thus count the number of prayers uttered. 

Bracelets are braided in a special way: each knot consists of 9 crosses of cord, symbolizing the nine crosses, or nine angelic ranks. Often seed beads, little crosses or icons are woven into the bracelet. Komboskini bracelets are usually worn on the wrist of the left hand, as it's closer to the heart. Believers often give such bracelets to their family and friends to remember and pray for them.

Characteristics

Length: 19 cm

Weight: ~5 gr

Knots volume: ~8,5 mm

Base: cord

Material: weaving cord, wood