Rosary Workshop: Day of the Dead, Memento Mori

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Skull Rosaries from the rosary workshop - index
EL DIA de los MUERTOS
skull rosaries & chaplets - read more about ' Memento Mori"

"A SPLENDID REWARD"

RDLM.2800 - (pricing)

"ATONEMENT ROSARY II"

RDLM.21310 - (pricing)

"TO RISE AGAIN"

RDLM.2920 - (pricing)

(click icons for larger images)
(for more information on rosaries, scroll down)
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WHY ADAM'S SKULL?
RDLM - DE LOS MUERTOS SERIES
A collection of skull rosaries inspired by early traditions in the church, especially with priests, nuns and brothers. "Remember thy death" What is the secret of the skull? Read on ...
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MEMENTO MORI
Where do we go to understand why skulls were / are used in rosaries and chaplets? We can track the use of skulls in prayer beads, rosaries and chaplets back to the late middle ages (1066-1485) . The custom was especially popular from the 15c through the middle of the 19c in Italy, Germany and Mexico (from Spain) with religious (priests and nuns).
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Skull beads are found in prayer counters from other religions, too. It helps to understand more about the customs of El Dia de los Muertos (see below). Also see Memento Mori. (see link below)

EL DIA de los MUERTOS
What is Dia de los Muertos? Where did it come from, what are its roots? How do we celebrate it here in the US? Dia los Muertos or Days of the Dead is a very popular holiday in Latin America and the Southwestern part of the US. To understand these days is to change one's mind on a lot of preconceived notions. In a way, it helped me understand the tradition of using skull beads in rosaries. It certainly opened my eyes to the Communion of Saints and its relationship to our Hallowe'en. - and the old tradition of Adam's Skull (life over death) More below:

see the skull rosaries below
A SPLENDID REWARD - ATONEMENT - CHAPLET
VICTORY OVER DEATH - TO RISE AGAIN
kids love this one, delightful skulls below on 'victory'

"VICTORY OVER DEATH"

RDLM.2030 - (pricing)

(click icon above for larger image)
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great information not to be missed
MEMEMTO MORI' - SECRET OF THE SKULL
DIA de los MUERTOS - MORE OLD CUSTOMS
for more links
BOTTOM OF PAGE

~ "A SPLENDID REWARD" ROSARY ~

EXCELLENT AND NOBLE
In doing this he acted in a very excellent
and noble way, in asmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view ...

(click icon above for larger image)
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AVE BEADS: each little brown skull is hand carved from wood, no tow are alike. PATER BEAS: The larger skulls are crushed bone mixed with resin, then cast in a skull mold, then each is antiqued. (we love the way people ask for the Fr Robb Rosary) we have sold hundreds of tthese rosaries to religious who understand the old traditions of the church

FR ROBB'S
ALL SKULL BEAD ROSARY
This first rosary was especially designed for Father Robb's at his request. He loves to show it to the children at our local Catholic school (they love it!) and it gives him a chance to talk about the teachings of the church in 3 parts (Those on Earth - Militant, in Purgatory - Penitent and in Heaven - Triumphant).
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2 MACABEES 12:43

43 He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, in asmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; .......

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ALL METALS INDIVIDUALLY AVAILABLE
For more information on any crucifixes, medals or rosary centers, go to SUPPLIES at top of page. Available in sterling silver and solid bronze. All hand cast from antique pieces.

"A SPLENDID REWARD"

(click for larger view)
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pricing subject to change without notice

RDLM.2800.b

PRICING / ORDER

RDLM.2800.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze - sorry, no chaplet available.
31.5 in.

For a larger image of crucifix and center, click icon above. For more information
on pricing or to order click link above.
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~ "ATONEMENT ROSARY" II ~

TO RISE AGAIN
44 for if he were not expecting the fallen to
rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death.

(click for larger view)
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AVE BEADS: Deep, rich fine graned brown wooden beads. PATER BEADS: Individujally hand carved skull beads of fine wood. Limited, May be unable to replace as shown.
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HAND CARVED
WOOD SKULL BEADS

(click for larger view)
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....... 44 for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. 45 But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. 46 Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.

Scripture above from 2 Macabees 12:44 inspired the names of the rosaries,
'Splendid Reward' and "Atonement' for the dead.
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ALL METALS INDIVIDUALLY AVAILABLE
For more information on any crucifixes, medals or rosary centers, go to SUPPLIES at top of page. Available in sterling silver and solid bronze. All hand cast from antique pieces.

ATONEMENT FOR THE DEAD
46 Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.

(click for larger view)
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pricing subject to change without notice

RDLM.21310.b

PRICING / ORDER

RDLM.21310.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze
22 in.

For a larger image of crucifix and center, click icon above. For more information
on pricing or to order click link above.
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RISEN CHRIST

~ "ATONEMENT" CHAPLET ~

THEME

CHECK FOR AVAILABLILITY

(click for larger view)
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pricing subject to change without notice

CDLM.2810.b

PRICING / ORDER

CDLM.2810.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze

For a larger image of crucifix and center, click icon above. For more information
on pricing or to order click link above.
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RISEN CHRIST

~ "VICTORY OVER DEATH" ~

THEME

BRIGHT MULTICOLORED SKULLS
(Tthe kids love this one!)

(click icon above for larger image)
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AVE BEADS: Deep browns in wood give a bit of peace. PATER BEADS: Bright multicolored skulls bring a smile to ones face! We were surprized these rosaries sold before they were even on the internet. Kids love them! And a great teaching tool.
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But couldn't help merge the idea too, of the rainbow and how in Genesis, Gods promise tied together. So Victory Over Death' seemed to be the perfect name of this rosary.
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pricing subject to change without notice

RDLM.21040.b

PRICING / ORDER

RDLM.21040.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze
20 in.

ALL SAINTS - ALL SOULS DAY
But how is this celebrated within the Church? All Hallows Eve is celebrated on 31 October as the vigil of two feast days: All Saints Day (1 November) and All Souls Day (2 November). It is a day to pray for the dead and help release them from purgation, evil, thus skeletons, devils, ghosts, witches and the like became the theme. In Latin America these combined days are called 'Day of the Dead' or (Dia de la Muertos). See more under Pictures and links above.
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HALLOWE'EN
Hallowe'en - Hallow-een, Hallow's Eve - All Hallow's Eve = Hallowe'en! You probably knew that! But this popular holiday loved so much by children and those who are young at heart has its roots in traditions of the Catholic Church, (actually earlier in Celtic Tradition) but for now, lets look at its Christian roots. For many, during the Reformation, the doctrine of the Communion of Saints and praying for the dead was dropped, thus calling 'All Hallows Eve' (empty). 'Hollow' Eve

~ "TO RISE AGAIN" ROSARY ~

VICTORY OVER DEATH

(click icon above for larger image)
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AVE BEADS: Little hand carved Ave skulls keep company with hard to find dark wooden skulls for PATER BEADS. Also available with the St Benedict Cross (below) in cart.
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ST BENEDICT CROSS

(click for larger view)
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ALL PARTS AVAILABLE
The rare crucifix shown below is from the Greek 'Treen' style which carries two small skulls at the foot of the cross, symbolizing Adam and Eve or 'Victory over Death.' Christ: the second Adam, Mary, the second Eve. An ancient tradition.

'TO RISE AGAIN'

(click icon for larger image)
+ pricing subject to change without notice

RDLM.2920.b

PRICING / ORDER

RDLM.2920.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze
21 in.

For a larger image of crucifix and center, click icon above. For more information
on pricing or to order click link above.
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~ "MEMENTO MORI" CHAPLETS ~

'REMEMBER THY DEATH'
(may have old metal money rings - see)

(click for larger view) + pricing subject to change without notice

CDLM.51112.b
CDLM.51112.s

PRICING / ORDER

CDLM.51013.b
CDLM.51013.s

all medals handcast from antiques in sterling silver and
solid bronze

For a larger image of crucifix and center, click icon above. For more information
on pricing or to order click link above.
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MEMENTO MORI
Actually, skull beads are universal and have been used as prayer counters in almost all religions on earth. Carved from wood, bone, ivory and sometimes seen formed in crystal. They are often two faced, one of a mans face, the other his skull. Crystal skulls were very, very popular. They were part of the term 'memento morie' or 'remember thy death'.
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MATTHEW 12:32

And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

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REMEMBER
Although the Dia de los Muertos probably does not relate directly with the rosaries above, it helps us understand traditions of 'memento mori' ("remember thy death," "Remember that you are mortal," "Remember you will die," "Remember that you must die,") theme. Also see our information on skull and crossbones seen on early crucifixes worn by religious. What does it have to do with Adam? See below:

~ THE SECRET of the SKULL ~

HOW DOES ADAM
FIT INTO THIS MYSTERY?
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closeup of the skull beads

we use on our rosaries
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GENESIS 3:5

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.".

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BELOW
ANTIQUE SKULL BEADS MADE FOR CONVENT ROSARIES
Ya gotta love 'em or hate 'em!
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(1 inch carved cow bone)
WHAT IS THE MYSTERY
OF ADAM'S SKULL & GOLGATHA ?
for more information click any icon above

~ MORE CUSTOMS ~

A FAMILY
CUSTOM FROM CROATIA
Father Joseph wrote: "When I was in grammar school my dad's uncles from Croatia and family would go to the graveyard the week before Easter to visit family graves. We carried with us special cakes, food and special wine to spread a table cloth over the family plot and had a nice party eating and talking about the departed loved ones. My special duty was to bury the mass cards under the head stones to remind Grandpa and other family members that we were remembering themm and praying to get them out of purgatory. I remember my dad sharing a glass of wine with his dad by pouring it out over the grave."
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"Then my dad would gather his family around and pray a blessing over us and sprinkle holy water on our heads. Each family did that. Even after all these years I remember part of the prayers. Then the oldest family member would pray:
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TRADITIONAL FAMILY PRAYER

O Gracious Lord...in this place you give peaceful rest at the price of your life renewing blood. Wherefore you are the most gracious pardoner of our guilt, the most considerate judge, the lavish dispenser of clement judgement, we beg you to forget the severe judgment.and holy justice which we deserve, and only remembering only the mercies of your holy redemption, be to us an advocate and reconciler.
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Graciously purify and reconcile of those wanderers who await a place of dwelling in your in the heavenly fatherland. And we wait for the day when the Lord will awaken the bodies of them who are interred here by the power and goodness of Christ's glorious resurrection, to incorruptible glory, calling these souls not to condemnation but to beatification.
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We trust in the mercies of our Holy Savior who will come to judge the living and the dead and the world by fire. Make the Sign of the Cross. Amen

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... "Because of doing this with my family in graveyards they don't bother me. I did not look at death as a family being broke up; but still together in the eternal family that Christ had redeemed us to be part of. I have even thought of wanting a rosary with skulls for the Our Father beads to pray to remember my death and the departed loved ones. No such chaplet, chotkis or rosary with skulls is for sale in American Catholic stores." + Father JF (USA)
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TRADITION RETURNING
A recent email from Ted shared that stores are beginning to carry skull rosaries. This is great news as this means people are beginning to respond to the old tradition of the skull of Adam, popular centuries ago. (LA Cathedral Store, CA)

~ COMMENTS ~

... thanks Laura! ...
FIRST: -- your skull rosaries are magnificent! My first post to Rosary_Makers was about skull rosaries - the skull is a symbol I love. Like Ash Wednesday! SECOND: -- thank you for doing something so BOLD. I've been quaking about even just acknowledging some of the mystics/poets who inspire my rosaries - afraid they might be too "out there" - that somebody somewhere might be offended. I've been forcing myself to go ahead and do it -- and I want you to know that it's TREMENDOUSLY INSPIRATIONAL to see you bolding forging forward with such zest & good cheer! Carry on! Laura E

... purgatory rosary ...
Thank you so much for the special rosary to pray for the holy souls in purgatory rosary. This was a BIG BIG surprise. I must admit it is a reminder of the grace and prayers that are needed for souls to make it to God's heaven. Where in the world did you find those skulls and what are they made of?
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The first thing that caught my attention was no center piece in this rosary. Rosaries from Croatia are often made this way. Father Joe (USA)

~ VISIT - DIOS de la MUERTOS ~

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ENTER HERE!
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

we've all changed a lot since this pic was taken!

DIOS de la MUERTOS? - FOLLOW
THE MARIGOLD TRAIL!

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 best 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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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SKULL IN ART BY FOLLOWING THE LINKS BELOW AND ALSO USE THE SEARCH BELOW BY ENTERING 'SKULL' TO SEE ALL ON OUR SITE.

read about the tradition of the skull
THE SKULL IN ART - THE NEW ADAM
OLD EUROPEAN CRUCIFIXES
see our Rosaries using skulls, following old tranditions
RDLM SKULL ROSARIES - MEMENTO MORI
and also see these links
DIA de los MUERTO (a Celebration in Mexico)
OLD BELIEVERS ICONS & CRUCIFIXES
and did you know about this?
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS? (two skulls)
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