Prayer Handiwork – Tear of the Virgin Mary – Mount Athos

Description

Prayer handiwork from “Tear of the Virgin Mary” with a Deaf Cross

This prayer handiwork stands out not only because of the fruits of the plant “tear of the Virgin Mary”, which were used for creation, but also because of the hollow cross that exists at its end. It consists of a total of 33 beads – “tears of the Virgin Mary” and bears a wonderful metal cross with the representation of the Crucifix, which opens revealing a small recess inside.

The hollow cross is usually used as an amulet, as inside we can place a piece of relics of saints and sometimes cotton with holy myrrh or soaked in oil from unction. 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

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. At the same time, this prayer handiwork, due to its quality and the fruits of the plant “tear of the Virgin Mary” can be a wonderful gift for friends and relatives.

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.”

Origin: Mount Athos