This set of Himeros pocket prayer beads consists of twelve beads, representing the Greek dodecatheon of twelve gods; there are many more than twelve Greek gods, but most cities had their own group of twelve. Joining the string is a pendant, a symbol representing the god of desire: a ribbon heart. Himeros was often depicted in art carrying a band or ribbon worn by athletes (who would frequently be the recipients of such desire).
Himeros is one of the Erotes, a group of winged love gods associated with Eros, god of love. They included Himeros, god of desire; Anteros, god of love returned, or mutual love; and Pothos, god of longing and unrequited love. They were depicted in art as almost identical apart from the attributes each carried (Himeros' taina band or ribbon, Anteros' lead arrow, and Pothos' vine), and were among the companions of Aphrodite, a group which included Peitho (Persuasion) and of course Eros himself.
It is made with 10mm rose pink fire-polished Czech glass beads, separated by silver-toned metal spacer beads, and glass seed beads to provide a comfortable transition from one bead to the next and to make the piece lightweight, supple, and easy to handle. The string itself is approximately 10.5" (26.7cm) in circumference and is designed to be used in prayer and meditation, to decorate an altar or shrine, and/or to adorn a statue. The small size makes it easy to keep on hand in a drawer, a purse, or a pocket.
The beads come with a prayer to Himeros, written specifically to be used with this prayer bead design, and with a cotton muslin bag for storage.
You can, of course, use the beads with any prayers, or for any god or gods, that you choose or that resonate with you.
