Iconsgr Handmade Christian Orthodox Blessed Komboskoini,prayer Rope 150 Knots Pentant 2 150 knots with cross from Mt. Athos Black color A prayer rope (Greek: , komboskini; Russian: , chotki (most common term) or , vervitsa (literal translation); Romanian: metanii / metanier; Macedonian and Serbian: , broyanitsa; Bulgarian: , broyenitsa) is a loop made up of complex knots The prayer rope is part of the habit of Eastern Orthodox monks and nuns and is employed by monastics (and sometimes by others) to count the number of times one has prayed the Jesus Prayer When not in use, the prayer rope is traditionally wrapped around the left wrist so that it continues to remind one to pray without ceasing. If this is impractical, it may be placed in the (left) pocket, but should not be hung around the neck or suspended from the belt. The reason for this is humility: one should not be ostentatious or conspicuous in displaying the prayer rope for others to see. The traditional color of the rope is black (symbolizing mourning for one's sins), with either black or colored beads. The beads (if they are colored) and at least a portion of the tassel are traditionally red, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the blood of the martyrs. In recent times, however, prayer ropes have been made in a wide variety of colors. When praying, the user normally holds the prayer rope in the left hand, leaving the right hand free to make the Sign of the Cross.