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 Rosary Workshop - rosary history index
*HISTORY of the ROSARY*


*HISTORY INDEX*

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ANTIQUE BAVARIAN FILIGREE ROSARY

19th  CENTURY FILIGREE
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  or call 877 695 3561from 9 to 5 central - weekdays (closed on wednesdays) - beadsong@hotmail.com
 when did the rosary  - as we know it - take its shape
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WHEN DID IT TAKE ITS SHAPE?
*HISTORY: OF THE ROSARY*
 It may have grown from the true cross to crucifixes and then to rosaries themselves. Or did it grow from traditional Jewish prayer forms and the Old Testament? It is hard to know as most often these traditions, practices, customs and designs begin locally then travel like seeds in the wind ... 

for more informatioin,
JOURNALING THE BEAD   -   FREEDOM FIGHTERS
WOMEN of GOD   -  3 AMERICAN WOMEN SAINTS
YOUR BIRTHSTONE
also check the links below
  NATURAL DISASTERS    - MUSEUM
MORE HISTORY LINKS   -  BEADSONG
  - ANCIENT PRAYER / MARY (235 ad)
Check out what Prof Anastasios Zavales Phd ThD (Ecumenical Patriarchate, 
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA shared with the Rosary Workshop below:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO 'KNOCK ON WOOD'?
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING   -   MORE LINKS

and if you run out of ideas just ask:
SAINT MICHAEL


*JOURNALING the BEAD*

CHRONOLOGY OF THE ROSARY - 9 BC ON

History Icon image
 (for larger images, click icons)
HISTORY of the ROSARY

*FREEDOM FIGHTERS*

Since the beginning of our nation 1775,until now - remembering all first responders and military,  all who offer their lives daily for our safety and freedom today. 
* RFF - FREEDOM FIGHTERS HISTORY*
  Inspired by all who fought for our freedom today, beginning with ourPatriots, who organized those who would fight on the sea, land and in the airespecially those who spilled lifes blood, so we may live in peace.
*RFF - FREEDOM FIGHTERS - (1of 3)*
Inspired by all who fought for our freedom today, beginning with our Patriots, who organized those who would fight on the sea, land and in the air especially those who spilled life's blood, so we may live in peace.
  *RFF - WOUNDED AND FALLEN -  (2 of 3)*
In thanksgiving and honor of our wounded and fallen yesterday and today, those who gave and are giving their lives for their families and country  so that we may continue to be free.
 *RFF -  FIREFIGHTERS and POLICE - (3 of 3)*
Thank you for our early first responders, firefighters and police, federal, state and local, and for their continuing service today, protecting our families and keeping us free.
  *WHAT IS THE "JUST WAR THEORY"?*
We have collected several sources for you to read.  Some very hare to find on the internet ... we hope these are beneficial and if you have more sources, please snare. 

*WOMEN of GOD*

Starting with  the Immaculate Conception. our ladty, full of grace, Mary,  known under many names, has inspired many after her, known and unknown. 
  *EARLY HISTORY of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION*
Follow this interesting root of Mary, and how she comes to our shores from Spain and France in 1492 to fulfill the title of Patroness of North America and the pre born. 
  *"GUADALUPE" - PATR*ONESS of the AMERICAS*
"the dark Virgin, Guadalupe, patroness of West Central Spain" OR  or Coatlaxopeuh,  "She Who Has Dominion over Serpents" Coatlallope”  “one who treads over snakes”.
 *WHY GUADALUPE -1531?   HISTORICAL '40' MYSTERIES*
 40 year old Columbus given permission by Queen Isabella to sail in 1491).  Our Lady appeared 40 years later. 40 symbolizes: a time of waiting - preparation - a new chapter in salvation history.
  *THE GUADALUPE MYSTERY  IN OUR FLAG*
Enjoy our gathering of images of our Lady of Guadalupe, a collection from an exhibit at the Bowers Musem in California on loan from the basilica in Mexico City 

*3 AMERICAN WOMEN SAINTS*

Three women born in America, grew up to become Saints in the Catholic Church. Known for their service to the Lord: KATERI TEKAKWITHA (Lily of the Mohawks), ELIZABETH ANN SETON (New York) and KATHERINE DREXEL(Pennsylvania)
 *KATERI TEKAKWITHA* 
(Lily of the Mohawks) 
(Birth: 1656 + Death: April 17, 1680) - Feast day: July 14
 patroness of ecology and the environment, people in exile and Native Americans.
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      An Algonquin–Mohawk laywoman,  born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, on the south side of the Mohawk River. contracted smallpox in an epidemic;  and her face was scarred. (her family died) At 19)  She became a Catholic and renamed Kateri, (baptized in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena). Refusing to marry, and to avoid persecution, moved to a Christian native community south of Montreal for her 5 remaiming years. 
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Canonized: 10/21/2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
*ELIZABETH ANN SETON* 
(New York)
(Birth: August 28, 1774 + Death: January 4, 1821) - Feast Day: January 4 
 Patroness for the Sea Services due to her deep concern for her sons, William and Richard, who served in the U.S. Navy, 
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  She established the first Catholic girls school in the nation in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she also founded the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity. (Sisters of Charity Federation in the Vincentian-Setonian Tradition)
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  Canonized:  Sunday, September 14, 1975 in St. Peter’s Square by Pope Paul VI.  (She was the first citizen born in the United States to be given the title of “Saint.)
  *KATHARINE DREXEL* 
(Pennsylvania)
(Birth: November 26, 1858 + Death: March 3, 1955) - Feast Day: March 3 
Patronage Philanthropy, racial justice
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In 1891, Drexel professed her first vows as a religious, dedicating herself to work among the American Indians and African-Americans in the western and southwestern United States. Mother Katharine, and, 13 other women, soon established a religious congregation, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. 
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Canonized: October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. 

*MORE WOMEN of GOD*
*SOR MARIA AGREDA  -  HISTORY*
She was born Maria Coronel y Arana *April 2, 1602, in Agreda, Spain and died in 1665.  In her remarkable time on earth, she accomplished more than most would in several lifetimes. She is probably best known for her book THE MYSTICAL CITY OF GOD. 
    *"THE LADY in BLUE" - ROSARIES*
Who was 18 year old Sor Maria de Agreda?  She was a 17th century Spanish mystic cloistered Franciscan Conceptionist nun who never left her convent, yet spoke of teaching 'natives' about Jesus in a far distant country,over 500 times. How could this be? 
*THE LADY IN BLUE"  - COMMENTS*
born Maria Coronel y Arana *April 2, 1602, in Agreda, Spain, died in 1665.   she accomplished more than most would in several lifetimes.  best known for her book THE MYSTICAL CITY OF GOD
   *ST HILDEGARD von BINGEN OSB*
  ' Doctor of the church  (1098 – 1179) also known as:  SIBYL of the RHINE'   And again I heard a voice from Heaven
saying to me, 'Cry out therefore, and write thus!' 
*RSTS - UNDERSTANDING THE 4 STEPS*
OF MEN AND WOMEN CALLED BY THE CHUECH TO BECOME  SAINTS
the 4 steps of womena and men becoming a saint in the family of the Catholic church


 *YOUR BIRTHSTONE*

 He numbers the stars,  and gives to all of them their names. Giving back to God what is his? The story of salvation, the comiming of the messiah, is written in the stars by God himself who formed and named each star --- ISAIAH 40:2626 
 *BIRTHSTONE ROSARIES*
--- read on! found out why the ancient Jewish New year begins with September (Virgo) and not January. This wonderful study is called 'Astronomy
*THE ANCIENT STORY  -  CHAPTER l*
BORN OF A VIRGIN - PROMISE FULFILLED
(Seed of the woman, Messiah, Christ, the story)
SEPTEMBER (Virgo)   -  OCTOBER (Libra)
NOVEMBER (Scorpio)   -   DECEMBER (Sagittarus)
*THE ANCIENT STORY  -  CHAPTER ll*
HIS PEOPLE, The Sacrifice  SALVATION
(The blessings of his people, the redeemed)
JANUARY - (Capricorn)   -   FEBRUARY - (Aquarius)
MARCH -  (Pices)  -   APRIL - (Aries)
*THE ANCIENT STORY  - CHAPTER lll*
THE BATTLE - Good / Evil
between good and evil – life over death
MAY ( - Taurus)   -   JUNE -  (Gemini)
JULY -  (Cancer)   -   AUGUST -  (Leo)
 *THE HEAVENS DECLARE*
For most of our life we have marveled over the silent heavens above. On a clear night it can appear like a warm assuring blanket, even in the cold. We hear how each star is a tiny 'crack in the heavenly floor'. 
 *GOD AS ARCHITECT -THE GEOMETER*
He who made the mountains, oceans and fertile land, He who arranged the stars, numbered the stars and calls each star by name,  has done so for a reason. He delights in each ---- 
*ASTRONOMY  VS  ASTROLOGY*
MAZZAROTH: (Hebrew for Zodiac - see Job 38:31-33) ZODIAC: (Greek: 'The Way' - The 'circle or band  of 12 constellations' or 'crown of stars' created and named by God according to Genesis 1:14-16).  And in no way supports a Horoscope. 
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22 False messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders in order to mislead, if that were possible, the elect. 23 Be watchful! I have told it all to you beforehand. MARK 13: 22 
  *WHAT IS THE MAZZAROTH?*
 ... 2. the sky proclaims its builder's craft. 3. One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge. 4. There is no word or sound; no voice is heard; 5.  Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun;  6.  it comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course  PSALMS 19:2-6 …..

 *NATURAL DISASTERS* 

    the earth and sky offer times of fear and concern for all below. From massive Hurricanes to tornados above to Earthquakes below, we are led to prayer for safety over the centuries.
 *NATURAL DISASTERS in need of PRAYERS*
Present and past history of the need for prayer when disaster strikes. horrific fires on the west coast, earthquakes in Alaska , flooding hurricanes along east coast, loss of life and homes.
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 *NATURAL DISASTERS SERIES -  (RDND)*
Overview of series dedicated to prayer.  In our nation we all suffer from weataher, from snow storms to hurricanes and eathquakes - we all pray for those who suffer.
 *FIRE - THE FRIGHTFUL FIRE OF 1871*
(FORRESTFIRES+) Forest fires, forgotten campfires, lightning storm fires, fire caused by meteorites falling on dry forest land ... unexpected damage caused to peoples lives.
 *AIR - OUR LADY of REFUGE*
(TORNADOS+)  We learn  in this four part series, how Mary intercedes for our safety when disaster strikes including ancient calling of  "Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception" 
 *EARTH - WHEN THE EARTH TREMBLES*
(EARTHQUAKES+) The earth is always on the move, like a living organism.  Something is happening somewhere in its core or on tis surface, volcanos, earthquakes - when the earth trembles - in the year 1693.
  *WATER - LADY of the STORMS*
 (HURICANES+) In this four part series on Natural Disasters, we see how Mary intercedes and answers under many names but it's always Mary --- 
 and if you run out of ideas just ask:
SAINT MICHAEL

*ANTIQUE ROSARIES*

A COLLECTION OF ROSARIES DATING BACK TO THE 1700s

ANTIQUE ROSARY: 1720
 (for larger images, click icons)
MUSEUM of ANTIQUE ROSARIES

*MORE HISTORY*
  *YEAR OF THE PRIEST*
   On the 150th anniversary of his death, Pope Benedict declared the Year of the Priest, to honor St. John Vianney, naming him as the Universal Patron  of Priests. Beloved by all. 
 *ORIGIN OF THE ROSARY PRAYERS*
Where do they come from - are they really from the bible? And if so, where?
 *WHY PRAY THE ROSARY?*
Is it a Catholic thing?  Are Protestants allowed to pray the rosary? - The rosary tells the life of Christ one bead at a time fron conception to ascension into heaven ... and yes protestants pray the rosary too>
 *ADVOCATA NOSTRA*
a first century icon of Mary written by St Luke 
 *FAMILY "FREEDOM TREE" HISTORY*
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. 
 *LIVING "FREEDOM TREE" PRAYERS*
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE:   We are called to pass this precious gift on to our children and then on to their children. We owe it to future generations.
 *FROM A COLLECTOR IN GERMANY*
"It is easier to become a rosary from the 17th century than to find ...
 *ENCOUNTERING THE FILIGREE*
"The first one I ever saw was in Rothenberg - I was captured by its beauty ...
 DID YOU SEE THESE OLD CHAPLETS?
dont miss these wonderful examples of old chaplets from the past
  *9 CHOIRS OF ANGELS*
from heaven to earth - who are they and what do they do?s 
 *OLD VENETIAN TRADE BEADS*
   .The Jesuit priests who came to teach the indigenous about the true God, found that bringing beads to trade, attracted them as well. Many used these beads to string into rosaries. 
 *ANTIQUE BEADS*
What is a PICASSO bead? What is a pressed GABLONZ  beads
 *VENTURING THROUGH 4000 ROSARIES*
Far to the Northwest of our country,  our journey of discovery began ...
 * EASTERN / WESTERN CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL LIFE*
an in-depth article by Alexander Roman on Prayer Beads including a response from Seminarian Nicholas Vester, an Orthodox Theologian and a Byzantine Historian
 *TENEBRAE / ANSTASIS - WHAT IS IT?*
Have you evern been to a tenebrae during Easter Tridum? 
 *ANTIMENSION - INSTEAD OF TABLE*
Are these ancient liturgies returning? How does it relate to Tenebrae? 
 *AGNUS DEI, WHAT IS IT?*
What does it have to do with candles?  Is it considered something holy? 
 *DIA de los MUERTO   (DAY of the DEAD)*
Dont miss the Histoy of our  - "ALL HALLOWS EVE" -  (Hallowen)

~ BEADSONG ~

A STORY ABOUT A 6 YEAR OLD AND THE ROSARY

Beadsong Rosary image
 (for larger images, click icons)
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*WE FLY to YOUR PATRONAGE*
 MOST ANCIENT 
PRAYER TO OUR LADY  - (235 AD)
(Shared by Fr Joseph, from his Grandmother)
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 'We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities,  but deliver us always from all danger,  O glorious and blessed Virgin.  Amen'. 
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Found in a book of prayers to Mary, published in 1921, 'The Key of Heaven' quoting from a fledgling church still in the throes of Roman persecution and dated 235 AD. (Another original copy of this prayer was found in 1917 written on Egyptian papyrus. This prayer again spread from Egypt where Joseph and Mary had fled with Jesus to Europe and other parts of the Christian World.) Believed to be earliest written prayer to Mary.

*"KNOCK on WOOD"*
DOES IT RELATE TO THE ROSARY? 
Often we use the phrase, "Knock on wood" - and proceed to do just that:  Knock on a table or a door or whatever wood is handy. In some circles it is believed that the origin of the phrase and practice comes from the wood of the rosary. Rosaries in the old days were made of oak wood and were fingered in time of distress or trouble. Thus, holding on to, touching or rubbing the wooden rosary or its wooden crucifix when danger was near became a common way for Christians to deal with hardships and difficulties. The practice  slipped into common use as "Knock on wood."

From "A World of Stories" by William Bausch  -  Shared by Father Ray H. (MI)

 A GREATER - 1600 YEAR HISTORY
 When Saint Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, visiting the Holy Land and seeking the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified, found the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, the Cross was venerated by all the faithful in many public processions. 
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Many faithful would come to touch the Holy Cross for blesssing and healing. It was customary to touch the Wood of Life three times (as a confession of faith in the Holy Trinity). This act of touching the True Cross became the earliest recorded histories of "knocking on wood."
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Whenever the Holy Cross was put forth for public veneration, touching it, or as English translations render it "knocking," became common liturgical practice. Once the Holy Cross was transferred to Constantinople and placed in the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom (aka Saint Sophia), Christians continued this piety by touching or knocking on any cross or crucifix (wood was the medium of the day) for blessings and healings. 
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This ancient tradition has been with us for over 1,600 years and has been a pious tradition to this day where people tend to touch anything made of wood ... but all interpretations of this behavior point back directly to Jerusalem in the 4th century AD and the True Cross. No doubt, wooden prayer beads may have become a customary item for similar veneration, but historically much later.

Prof Anastasios Zavales Phd ThD
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA


*"OTHERS SAY"*
 ... HERESY - Here-say ...
"Heresy is from the Greek word meaning 'choice'.... But we are not permitted to believe whatever we choose, nor to choose whatever someone else has believed. We have the Apostles of God as authorities, who did not...choose what they would believe but faithfully transmitted the teachings of Christ. So, even if an angel from heaven should preach otherwise, he shall be called anathema."
 Saint Isidore of Seville - (c.560 - 636) - Patron of Internet Users

... EVA - AVE ...
Thought I'd share a bit of historical information with you, though you may already know this. You state on your site that the Virgin Mary is sometimes called the "new Eve".  "Eve" in Latin is "Eva". 

  Nova! Nova! Ave fit ex Eva! 
(News! News! "Ave" has been made from "Eve"!)
 The first word that the Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary at the Annunciation was "Ave", which is Eve backwards. This is just a coincidence of course, but many Medieval songs used this to illustrate how Mary "undid" what Eve had done. One song has this refrain above  (Nicholas Churchill (USA)

... your website did the trick! ...
I'm a nineth grade catechism teacher in Troy, MI.  Tomorrow's class and I wanted to give a good overview of the Rosary for my confirmation candidates.  It is surprisingly difficult to find a good chronology of the devotion's development over the centuries.  All of my usual source books seemed incomplete, but your website did the trick!  Thanks so much--I'm going to pass your website address on to the other 14 confirmation catechists in my parish.
Karl Schmidt (MI)

... thank you so much! ...
I've had a long passion for rosaries and have recently began my journey in collecting antique ones. However, I haven't been able to find ANY information until I came across your web page. Thank you so much!  Joseph E. (IN)

... loved the history lesson ...
Loved the history lesson on the Rosary. Look forward to the next chapter.
Bill C (NV)

ROSARY WORKSHOP
MISSION STATEMENT
Our vision is to provide the finest handmade rosaries, chaplets and other fine religious art forms for personal worship we can make using the finest supplies available.  The Guild believes the work of our hands should give visual Glory to God, therefore for us, the best for you is very, very important.
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(HALLOWE'EN)

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*DIA de los MUERTO*
"DAY OF THE DEAD"
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