This set of Tapio pocket prayer beads consists of a loop of twelve beads; joining the string is another bead and a pendant, a symbol of the god: the leaf-covered face of a man. Tapio is in truth a forest god--his beard is of lichen, his eyebrows of moss.
It is made with 10mm deep green fire-polished Czech glass beads, separated by copper-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 11" (28cm) 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 Tapio, 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.
