The komboloï: jewel or religious accessory?

A necklace, a bracelet, a rosary? what exactly is a Komboloi? The word Kombo means knot and law means floor. It is also supposed that there is an invocation of the mixture of the two words: "for each node, I say a prayer".

The origins are still unclear but according to the GrecomaniaGreek site, the initial origins of the pearls come from China. At the time the pearls were called “relaxing Chinese ball or also worry pearl” since the goal was to relax and free the mind from problems. The first komboloi were reportedly sighted on Mount Athos in northern Greece, but the exact year of its inauguration is still unknown to historians.

For some it's a stress reliever, for others it's the perfect souvenir to take home. But the real question is why komboloi is found only between the fingers of men.

Indeed, on the terraces of cafes we often find the duo: Greek coffee and komboloï in the palm of the hand of men.

Is komboloi only for men?

For many people, komboloi is linked to the Orthodox religion, like the rosary found for Christians or Muslims. But in Greece, it has a completely different meaning. The usage is totally secular. Komboloï is used to treat a cigarette addiction, but it is also used as an anti-stress (the movements of the object relax). For a minority, it is a heirloom of a deceased member. The komboloï is then given from generation to generation, and each pearl corresponds to a member of the family.

Despite everything, it is not offered to women but directly to the man of the family: therefore the brother or the father. Most women do not walk around with a komboloi in their hand, but they do have one in their possession. They are easily seen on their dining tables or hung above a picture of Jesus Christ or a deceased loved one.

For men, their wives should not have it since the komboloï would be a sign of virility. A character trait absent in Greek women where the man is superior to his wife. She risks being considered a “matron”. But this phallocratic object is very well adorned on the wrists or around their perfumed neck.

can komboloi help male souls?

When in possession of a komboloï, men feel invisible and feel a release with each movement of the jewel. Knot and Law meaning of a profound word for the Greeks. They string pearls and whisper religious canons. Even if the komboloï is not a rosary, it remains for a minority of men a daily reminder that we must not forget the creator and thus thank him as soon as they have the opportunity.

In addition, the komboloï occupies the fingers of ex-smokers, that is why they thread the pearls between the two fingers which make it possible to hold a cigarette, that is to say the index and the little finger. It is a way of rejecting an unhealthy habit for the body.

Religion is, supposedly, there as a placebo of purifying words.

For the Greeks, komboloi is a bit like a combat sport against oneself, that is to say knowing how to show patience, empathy and humility.

It is a challenge against the "little demons" that the Greeks believe they encounter on a daily basis. But above all, komboloï is presented as a pastime to have fun by replacing boredom and bad vibes but above all as a secular pastime

There is no age to own a komboloi

It was between the years 1919 and 1920 that this object was a success. It's the beginning of the glorious years for the Komboloï. It will be assumed that this jewel is mainly used by the elderly, but this is false. If you walk through the streets of Athens colored with tags, you will see many young adults in possession of a komboloï.

There are two different types of marigold beads. The best known, komboloi, marigold beads have a loop with an odd number of beads. The top of the buckle may have a fixed "main bead" called a "priest". Begleri are relatively new marigold beads that only became popular in the 1950s. They are made of a single strand with an even number of beads.

Indeed, komboloi occupies an important place among the Greeks and this does not diminish with the new generations. On Monastiraki Square, shops even offer to make your own komboloi and a large part of the customers are young people who have fun tuning the beads. It is important to note that the quality of the beads varies, from the "tourist" version to good market for high-end hand-cut amber beads, which are very soft and fragile. The cheapest kombolio beads are made of synthetic materials that look like marbles.

Others are made from organic materials such as gemstones, bone, horn, wood, coral, mother-of-pearl, and seeds cost more. These pearls are considered more pleasant to the touch. Some marigold beads are worth over $10,000, and rare marigold beads have become collector's items.

If you want to learn more about marigold beads and make a purchase

One of the best places to visit is the Worry-Bead Shop & Komboloi Museum in the port city of Nafplion, 2 ½ hours from Athens. The first floor is devoted to the pearl shop. Synthetics are available and cost around 6 euros, but if you are looking for something a little more special to remember your trip to Greece, you can also find antique or amber beads which can cost hundreds of euros . Don't forget to "test" marigold beads before buying them to make sure the thread fits well in your hand.

The Komboloi Museum is located upstairs and has small rooms displaying owner Aris Evangelinos' favorite marigold beads from his extensive collection. Labels explain how variations of kombolio beads are used by many different faiths. The visit to the shop is free, but the entrance to the museum costs 3 euros.

The kombolio, marigold bead or relaxing Chinese ball, a traditional object to the point of being the most brought back souvenir from Greece after the mini statuettes of the Greek gods.