ModernChivalry.org
Main => The Armoury => Topic started by: Sir Edward on 2012-09-26, 17:34:01
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I found several options for a period Rosary on Etsy, as well as this other site where I asked them to customize one for me. Check it out:
http://paternosterguild.indiemade.com/product/paternoster-reserved-ed (http://paternosterguild.indiemade.com/product/paternoster-reserved-ed)
It's a frequently overlooked detail for monastic knight impressions.
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Just be careful, my understanding is that a crucifix on a pater noster like on a modern rosary is not that common until the later middle ages, along with the drop (the extra 5 beads on a modern rosary to which the crucifix is attached). More commonly it would just end in a tassel.
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Ian is correct. For instance, my Rosary is probably non-period, if one is being super strict about things.
I actually use that Rosary though, so I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon. :)
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I love it, Ed! I have a special place in my heart for these items. :)
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Just be careful, my understanding is that a crucifix on a pater noster like on a modern rosary is not that common until the later middle ages, along with the drop (the extra 5 beads on a modern rosary to which the crucifix is attached). More commonly it would just end in a tassel.
A 'crucifix' is more common to the later middle ages & more specific to Roman Catholics as opposed to other Christian denominations. Actual rosaries of earlier period were more common-place with a plain small wooden cross (if any) and not having any actual representation of Jesus Christ common on crucifixes. They were not very decorative to illustrate humility & humble origins but certain religious folks, Orders, or more wealthy may have had dyed beads. For example, The Order of St Francis of Assasi (original Franciscans) wore black & white beaded rosaries with simple wooden hand-carved crucifixes usually of rosewood. They were traditionally hand-made by Order members to ordain the sanctity of their vows & devotion to the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.
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Yeah, if I end up fudging the design a little depending on the decade/century, oh well. :)
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Ian is correct. For instance, my Rosary is probably non-period, if one is being super strict about things.
I actually use that Rosary though, so I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon. :)
I think the practical authenticity factor of you actually using your Rosary more than compensates for any historical inaccuracies! ;)
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A historically accurate pater noster doesn't 'not work' ;D. You can use it just like a modern rosary. I wasn't bringing it up to be the historical accuracy police, I was just bringing it up so if authenticity was a concern, the requisite knowledge was available.
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It's all good Sir Ian, just a little jocularity with no slight intended! ;)
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Correct. What matters with a 'rosary' is that it is used for intended purpose (i.e. prayer) and not having concern for it being decorative and/or historically appealing to some time period. If you are looking to dye beads for significance, black beads were for prayers to Jesus Christ & white ones intended for the Virgin Mary. That was intentional of early friars (Franciscan order monks) and numbered in a specific sequence so they said a certain numbers of prayers to both.
Sequence was unknown because they did not mention how it was sequenced but each rosary had 40 beads total to number the 40-day cycle of 'Lent' (the holiest time in Catholicism). Thought it was interesting reading so thought I'd share. The practice is actually continued to this day.
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I wasn't bringing it up to be the historical accuracy police, I was just bringing it up so if authenticity was a concern, the requisite knowledge was available.
No worries, your message was received in the correct context. :)
You'll be surprised how tolerant of "cheating" I can be though. :)
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So, how do you use them? I was raised Lutheran, zero experience with a rosary.
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A prayer is said over each bead, basically. It gives you a method to count with as you go.
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and Pater Noster literally translates from Latin to mean Our Father, one of the most recognizable prayers in Catholicism. Which during medieval times, was probably the only prayer said during the use of the beads. The modern rosary incorporates a lot more prayers than just the Our Father.
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
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So, how do you use them? I was raised Lutheran, zero experience with a rosary.
Traditonally, rosaries are a bead-counting method of saying prayers. One bead equals one prayer until you complete a cycle. For me, one bead is "Our Father" than next is "Hail Mary"...& continues until my beads are exhausted & ends with a blessed benediction of the Holy Trinity (which is a personal prayer that comes last in a cycle) & a kiss of the crucifix is symbolic of your undying devotion to Our Lord and wish for his blessings. Such is a Roman Catholic prayer session with a rosary. It varies with each person however.
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Wait, so one bead equates to the entire Lord's prayer? How many times are you supposed to recite it? That could mean a pretty long session of personal prayer.
Or does this have something to do with the penance portion where you're told to recite X number of Our Fathers and/or X number of Hail Marys?
Also, what constitutes the Middle Ages and when did crosses begin to show up on rosaries?
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Early monastic orders such as the Franciscans had crucifixes on rosaries since the late 13th century. Simple wooden crosses were more common amongst friars or monks as opposed 2 higher clerical officials like bishops or cardinals. I'd have 2 do more research on it. As far as rosary beads go, it depends on the user and purpose. I use mine as a prayer counter, one bead is one prayer so yes it could be used in that way for pennance. It is used for prayers regardless of reason or denomination.
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From Historic Enterprises:
Longer evening hours means I had plenty of time to work on the new Paternoster collection. As you may recall from previous newsletters, I've taken up paternoster making as something of a hobby. Researching the history and looking for examples in museums and period artwork is right up my alley, and making the paternosters themselves is a bit like making jewelry. I enjoy braiding the cords and selecting the beads, and love that the end result is something that was an iconic and ubiquitous accessory of the medieval period. As with everything else we offer, my paternosters (and I use the term collectively, as I'm producing chaplets and rosaries as well) are more average and everyday than super fancy. My goal is to make them historically accurate in form and materials so they blend seamlessly into a period outfit. I hope you'll enjoy using and giving them as much as I enjoy making them!
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Well, some must be praying rather swiftly because I've seen some manipulate their beads in what looks like every two or three seconds. I can't get the Lord's prayer out that fast- I tried, it takes me at least 15 seconds to get thru it all in my head.
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http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf (http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf)
This seems relevant.
Jess
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Jess, thank you. This is exactly what I wanted/needed.
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Yes, thank you Jessica. :) I did not look that deeply into the rosary as far the sequence of ritualistic prayers. That link was very useful.
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That's how I pray my rosary. My family used to do it every night, but busy schedules dictate that most of my paternosters are said on my own time.