Meaning of bracelets

bracelets, commonly known as Buddhist beads or "nenzhu," have evolved from mere prayer beads into unique collectibles that combine decoration, playfulness, and appreciation. Due to their close relationship with the human body, like other "spiritual" accessories, they hold a special connection with their owner. For those who cherish these items, their appreciation and emotional ties are nuanced, something that can hardly be fully articulated.

High-quality Buddhist beads typically consist of 108 beads (110 for certain Tibetan practices), while mid-quality ones may have 54 beads, with others having 42, 21, 14, and specific numbers like 36 for Pure Land Buddhism and 18 for Zen. Although the number 13 is not documented in Buddhist texts, it is considered auspicious in Buddhist culture.

Types of bracelets

Bodhi Seeds

Bodhi seeds are perhaps the most well-known type of wrist bead. There are over 30 varieties named after different regions, such as Tiantai Bodhi and Tianzhu Bodhi, or based on their patterns, like Xingyue Bodhi and Fengyan Bodhi. Carrying a strand of Bodhi beads is believed to bring immense blessings.

Gemstones

Gemstones symbolize good fortune and are said to ward off evil, avert disasters, and bring luck. Common types include crystal, peridot, petrified wood, turquoise, malachite, rose quartz, jadeite, tourmaline, garnet, and goldstone. However, these are considered inferior compared to the four precious gems: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which are extremely rare and usually owned by royalty or the wealthy.

Fruit/Nut Types

Fruit or nut bracelets constitute a significant part of the Buddhist bead family. Typical representatives include peach pits and olive pits for the nut category, and materials like wood from the jujube tree and coconut husk for the fruit category.

Bamboo and Wood Types

Both bamboo and wood can be used to make bracelets. More valuable wooden beads are often made from sandalwood, agarwood, goni, and ebony.

Others

Materials like cow horn, bone, rhinoceros horn, and ivory have been traditionally rejected by Han Chinese Buddhism due to ethical constraints but are popular in Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan practices even include making beads from human skulls. Additionally, there are beads made from ceramics, purple clay, and lacquer.

Symbolism of bracelets

All bracelets carry religious significance. Here are a few examples to guide your choices:

Golden Silk Nanmu: Known for its warm texture and fine grain, it offers benefits like dispelling dampness, promoting health, and attracting wealth.

Agarwood: Regarded as the king of fragrances, it is a globally recognized treasure, believed to clear the mind, support organ health, and enhance vitality.

Hainan Huanghuali: This wood is prized for its yellow hue and fine texture, known for alleviating rheumatism and high blood pressure.

Little Leaf Red Sandalwood: Called the "wood of emperors," it is dense and offers health benefits such as improving blood circulation and aiding sleep.

Sandalwood: Known for its high oil content and smooth surface, it helps soothe nerves and treat various ailments.

Yew: This naturally colored wood is believed to prevent cancer and boost immunity.

Bodhi Seeds: Originating from the snow-capped mountains, these seeds are revered in Buddhism for their protective and wisdom-enhancing properties.

White Jade Bodhi: Known for its smooth texture, it is believed to absorb illness and enhance vitality.

Sun Seeds: These reddish-brown seeds symbolize auspiciousness and health.

Moon Seeds: These gray seeds represent calmness and peace.

Golden Toad Seeds: A variant of Xingyue Bodhi, these beads are believed to attract wisdom and peace.

Longevity Fruit Bodhi: Known for its protective qualities, it is highly sought after by collectors.

Five-Eyed Six-Through: This unique fruit has five small holes that resemble eyes, believed to enhance perception and wisdom.

Peach Stones: Traditionally used to ward off evil, they have a hard texture and significant protective capabilities.

Coconut Husks: Rare bracelets made from coconut husks are known for their unique texture and comfort.

Heavenly Intention Seeds: These beads symbolize divine guidance and are believed to enhance blessings when worn.

Vajra Seeds: Valued for their strength, they are said to provide powerful protection against evil.

Mani Seeds: Known for their strong protective qualities, they symbolize wealth and safety.

Lunar Bodhi: Characterized by its yellowish color with black spots, it is considered one of the world's

How to Choose

Select Material

There are many materials for bracelets. Sandalwood bracelets can develop a beautiful patina, while jade ones look more visually appealing. For extreme aromas, consider agarwood or kyara. Some prefer the wood grain of huanghuali. It mainly depends on personal preference.

Consider Size


Medium-built men: Suitable for beads with a diameter of 15mm (15 beads) or 16mm (14 beads).

Taller or larger men: 18mm (13 beads) or 20mm (12 beads).

Medium-built women: 12mm (17 beads).

Slim women: 10mm (19 beads) or 8mm (23 beads), for a more delicate look.

Check Quality and Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship of prayer beads is mainly evaluated by the following indicators: roundness (ensure they are perfectly round, not oval); uniform grain, especially noticeable in sandalwood beads; fine drilling (holes smaller than 2mm are better, as larger holes indicate poorer craftsmanship); and the presence of cracks, which may be hidden, so check carefully under bright light.

Wooden bracelets, like rosewood, should be made from the same piece of wood for uniform color and better quality. Bracelets made from scraps have greatly reduced collectible value.

How to Identify Agarwood

The primary factor in selecting quality agarwood is weight. Higher density indicates higher oil content and better quality. For instance, a common 14mm agarwood bracelet weighing 10 to 15 grams is considered good. If it weighs between 17 and 20 grams, it belongs to the mid-upper range of submerged agarwood. If it weighs 22 grams or more, it is considered top-quality submerged material, which is very rare.

When selecting rudraksha beads, each one should be almost perfectly round with consistent size and ridges. Larger diameters naturally cost more. The price is also determined by the number of facets, with five-faceted ones being the cheapest.

Various types of bracelets, after years of handling, become glossy and take on a more antique appearance, embodying a sense of history. Regardless of the original material's value, a well-developed patina will make the bracelet a cherished item.

Do not handle it immediately after receiving it. Use a cloth bag for polishing, and store it in the bag when not in use to prevent oxidation from air exposure. For example, golden phoebe, rosewood, and huanghuali can turn black if over-oxidized.

Duration for using a cloth bag: At least 3 months for golden phoebe, 2 months for rosewood, 1 month for huanghuali. Polish about an hour daily; the more, the better. Ensure the area around the bead holes is polished. After a week or two, you may feel slight resistance, indicating a thin patina has formed.

After polishing with a cloth, start hand polishing. Make sure your hands are freshly washed and completely dry; avoid sweaty hands. When not playing, store them in a sealed bag. After hand polishing for a month, use a cloth for another month. Once a basic patina forms, sealing is no longer necessary.

Polishing should be gradual, not too frequent. Play for a few days, then rest for a few days. Playing increases gloss, and resting allows natural exposure to air for patina development. Repeat for about 3 months, and you'll see your beads full of spirit and shine. Well-polished beads sometimes exhibit a strong reflective gloss, similar to glass.
Caution
Wooden beads should never be exposed to significant moisture. If dirty, wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then let them sit before polishing again.

Summer is peak time for new wooden beads to lose color. Avoid long-term wear if you have sweaty hands. Wear for 2 days, then let them dry in a shaded area for 2 days.