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Many religions use prayer beads or rosaries - Roman Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinuism, and Orthodox Christianity among others.

Prayer beads have been in use for hundreds of years. The earliest use of prayer beads has been traced back to Hinduism where they are referred to as Japa Mala or "garland."

Most commonly, prayer beads are used to count repetitions of prayers, chants or devotions but may also be used for meditation and protection from negative energy.......

Read more at -  http://www.examiner.com/x-2863-Phoenix-Spiritual-Examiner~y2009m7d1-Prayer-beads