Mala Beads are setting the latest trend for women’s fashion.
You may have seen your friends wearing tasseled necklaces and wondered what was so special about them. They are mala beads. A mala is a simple string of meditation beads or prayer beads. And they are ancient tools used to keep the mind focused and clear from thoughts.
See them here under Accessories.
A full mala contains 108 counting beads plus one guru or meru bead. Usually, a 108 bead mala is long enough to wear as a necklace. The guru (teacher) or meru (mountain) bead is often larger. It acts as a starting or ending point for counting repetitions. A tassel finishes the cord of beads and finishes the final end knot.
Also, Mala beads are sometimes called mantra beads, meditation beads, Hindu rosaries, or Buddhist prayer beads.
Why do malas have 108 beads?
The number 108 has a very powerful significance in the science and spirituality of India.
- There are 108 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet!
- Vedic mathematicians measured the Sun’s diameter to be 108 times larger than the diameter of the Earth.
- They measured the distance between the Sun and Earth to be 108 times the Sun’s diameter.
- In the yogic tradition, we find 108 sacred texts of the Upanishads
- There are 108 sacred holy sites in India
- 108 marma (acupressure-like) points on the body.
The repetition of the number 108 goes on with the number of stories told of the 108 gopis and the name of goddesses and more.
What material is used to make malas?
A Malas can be made out of different materials. Typically they are made from wood, seeds, or semi-precious gemstones. In India, malas are primarily made from sandalwood, tulsi, and rudraksha seeds. In Nepal and Tibet, most malas are made from bodhi seeds, lotus seeds, and bone.
Sizes and types of beads
The size of the beads are usually between 6mm and 10mm with 8mm being the most common. When made with larger beads, it may make counting easier but makes the malas longer and heavier. Some malas have metal spacer beads that are for decorative purposes and are not counted.
Tassels, knots, counters, and cords
A mala’s tassel is usually made from cotton or silk. Typically they are strung with cotton cord or nylon string for strength and durability. Additionally, some have knots between each bead, but malas from Tibet, Nepal, and China are not knotted.
So Why this Fashion Trend?
So why are we seeing this fashion trend? The malas are certainly colorful, yet simple addition to everyday fashion. And since they are associated with yoga, they may offer a relaxing effect to the wearer even when not always worn just for yoga. Also, the significance for the number 108, which is considered sacred in Hinduism.
What is the significance of the number 108. The number One stands for God, the universe, or your own self. Zero stands for emptiness and humility, And Eight stands for infinity and timelessness.
So adding a mala necklace to your fashion accessories offers many options for the wearer. As it might add a wearable reflection of something significant to the wear in their own journeys. It would then become a very personal piece for the wearer. It would become whatever the wearer intends for it to be.
This offers unlimited possibilities for these replicas of ancient beads and can spiff up any outfit. They offer not only a colorful addition to the outfit but also a very interesting conversational piece for the wearer if they know the history of the beads. Go here now to get yours to add to your new fall wardrobe. Check under Accessories. Also, check out the amazing sportswear on this site.
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