Worry beads or kombolói, kompoloi (Greek: κομπολόι, bead collection; plural: κομπολόγια, ) is a string of beads manipulated with one hand and used to pass time in Greek and Cypriot culture. They were especially popular until the middle of the 20th century.
Unlike the similar prayer beads used in many religious traditions, including the Greek Orthodox komboskini, worry beads have no religious or ceremonial purpose.
Read more about Worry Beads: Etymology, Purpose and Origin, Features, Use
Famous quotes containing the words worry and/or beads:
“Unless your baby becomes uncomfortable and tries to push away, don’t worry that you’re cuddling too much. That way, when she reaches adolescence and goes through a normal period of being terribly embarrassed even to be seen with you in public, you’ll have some memories to tide you over until she comes around again.”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)
“Tell me how many beads there are
In a silver chain
Of evening rain,
Unravelled from the tumbling main,
And threading the eye of a yellow star:—
So many times do I love again.”
—Thomas Lovell Beddoes (1803–1849)