Prayer Handiwork – Tear of the Virgin Mary – Mount Athos

Description

Prayer handiwork from “Tear of the Virgin Mary” with 33 Beads 

The prayer handicrafts with the fruits of the plant “tear of the Virgin Mary” are among the most beautiful handicrafts made by the Mount Athos fathers, as this plant has been cultivated for years on Mount Athos. This prayer handiwork consists of a total of 33 beads – “tears of the Virgin Mary” and at its end it has fringes in blue color. In addition, between the beads – “tears of the Virgin Mary”, there are smaller decorative beads in the same blue color as the fringes, so the whole handiwork is particularly impressive.

It is a special handiwork, which stands out for its quality, but also for the demanding work needed for its creation. Prayer handicrafts are one of the most characteristic and particularly beloved products, made by monks of Mount Athos and have their roots in the well-known rosaries, which are used during prayer.

“Tear of the Virgin Mary”: Name & Symbolism

Tradition says that this plant grew under the cross of Christ from the tears of the Virgin Mary, which fell on the earth while she mourned for the martyrdom and loss of Her only son. However, there is a second version. According to her, a monk sat in sorrow because he could not learn to knit a rosary. Then the Virgin Mary appeared to him and asked him why he was sad. He replied, “I can’t learn to knit a rosary.”

Then the Virgin Mary gave him the seeds of this plant and said to him: “Take my tears, cultivate them and make prayer rosaries. And he said, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on Me; Blessed Virgin Mary save us.” The prayer handiwork accompanies our prayers and helps us maintain our concentration. It can also be used as an amulet, which we carry with us to feel the presence of Christ and the Virgin Mary at every step.

Origin: Mount Athos