Fashion 'Till U Drop: Brojanica, A Prayer Bracelet

If you know, or have seen, an Orthodox individual wearing a Brojanica (a.k.a. prayer bracelet) you have likely either asked yourself, or them...what this unique bracelet, usually worn on their left hand represents. "Brojanica" is the Serbian Orthodox name for the prayer bracelet. I myself wear a Brojanica on my left hand and get asked about it often, so I thought I would share the story and purpose of the Brojanica with you all.

I came across a good rendition of the story behind the Brojanica on the 33 Knots website and I wanted to share it with you. Here it is...

The story

"These bracelets come with a great story that people just love. Here’s how the story goes. A very very long time ago there was a monk that was amongst the first to wander into the desert to spread the word of the Lord. This monk came up with the idea to use a rope to count his prayers. For every prayer he recited he made a knot.

Everything was just fine until one day during his prayer he got a vision of the Devil, which threw the monk out of concentration. The monk was surprised to see that the knots he made were mysteriously untied.

The monk tried to pray again, but every time he got the same vision with the same result. But the brave monk was not to give up so easily. He kept on trying, but every passing day it got worse, the poor monk got very exhausted and it seemed the Devil would have his victory.

Thankfully Archangel Gabriel came to the rescue. Gabriel appeared in the monks dreams and showed him how to tie a special knot that vanquishes the Devil. The very next day the monk started to pray and to tie the special knot that consist of 7 small interlocking crosses. The Devil appeared again, but when he tried to untie the knots the special bond of the knots repelled him back to hell.

This brave humble monk stood his ground and kept on going even in his darkest hours. Ultimately claiming victory over evil. We all know this legendary monk. He was Saint Anthony the Great.

So now you know who invented the prayer rope bracelets and necklaces we all still use today.

Well, it’s no wonder that these bracelets and necklaces are so extremely popular."

The Brojanica can take many forms, it can be worn as a bracelet, a necklace or even a key chain. The bracelets and necklaces come in both adult and children sizes. The Brojanica is made from a specific type of rope and costs of 33 knots with a cross in the centre.

Although the Brojanica has a religious purpose, it has has become a fashion accessory as well. Celebrities have been wearing Rosary-inspired jewelry for a long time, and the Brojanica has followed suit.

David Beckham

While I'm glad to see that the Brojanica is gaining more mainstream popularity, I believe that it is important what it represents as well. I wear my Brojanica as a reminder of where I came from and where I want to go in life. It's also nice to know that it's close to me at times when I need a little extra 'help'. While the Brojanice looks pretty and can definitely be used an an eye catching accessory it is important not to treat it as just any old piece of jewellery.