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Beads full of memories

On a trip to Greece, there’s a good chance that you’ll notice Greeks fidgeting with a string of beads in their hands. The string of beads are known as worry beads or komboloi, which Greeks use to soothe themselves, especially during difficult times.
Worry beads have several uses in Greek culture, including, relaxation, enjoyment, and generally passing the time, used by people who wish to limit smoking. As a mark of power and social prestige. This is especially true in the case of expensive worry beads made of silver or amber.

There are two different types of worry beads. The most well-known are komboloi. These worry beads have a loop with an odd number of beads. The top of the loop may have a fixed “main bead” called the “priest”. The second named Begleri, are relatively new worry beads that have only become popular since the 1950’s. They are a single string with two big beads.

Worry beads can be handled in many different ways. There is no right or wrong way. The goal is simply to use the beads to defuse stress and calm the nerves. The most common are a quiet method, for indoors, and a noisier method that is acceptable in public places. The most common quiet method is to start at one end of the thread or chain, near the shield, and to pull the thread forward using that hand's thumb and the side of the index finger until one of the beads is reached. Then the cord is tipped so that the bead falls and hits the shield. This is repeated until all the beads have been tipped and then the user starts over.
The second, louder, method is to divide the beads into two groups. On one end is the shield and a small number of the beads. On the other end are the rest of the beads. Where the two threads are empty, that space is laid between the index and middle fingers. The hand should be in a position where the palm is facing the torso. Then the end behind the hand is swung up and forward so that it hits the other beads, making a noise.

The threads are then switched back into the space between the index and middle fingers by holding the threads between the thumb and the side of the index finger. This is repeated rhythmically, creating a louder clicking noise than the quiet method. Another method is to hold all of the worry beads in one hand and roll them against each other, creating soft clicking sounds.
Worry beads used as musical instrument, related to rebetiko. The sound emitted using a drinking glass and rubbing with the lip against the worry bead, which suspended from one button.

Worry beads may be constructed from any type of bead. The cheapest worry beads are made of synthetic materials that are similar to marbles. Worry beads made of organic materials such as precious stones, bones, horn, wood, coral, mother-of-pearl, and seeds cost more. These beads are considered more pleasant to touch. Some worry beads are worth more than 10,000 Euros and rare worry beads are collector’s items.
Greek worry beads generally have an odd number of beads (often one more than a multiple of four, e.g. (4x4) +1, (5x4) +1, and so on, or a prime number, usually 17, 19 or 23) and usually have a head composed of a fixed bead ("priest"), a shield to separate the two threads and help the beads to flow freely, and a tassel. Usually the length of worry beads is approximately two palm widths.
Learn how to make a komboloi

Worry beads are a great Greek souvenir to take home and are sold in just about every tourist shop in Greece. However, it’s important to note that worry beads range in quality, from the cheap “tourist” version to high-end hand-cut amber beads that are very soft and fragile.

If you are looking to learn more about worry beads and make a purchase, one of the best places to visit is the Worry-Bead Shop & Komboloi Museum in the port town of Nafplio.