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| The Wish/Prayer Box |
Origins of Prayer/Wish Box Jewelry
There has been debate over whether the prayer box originated
in the Buddhist or Hindu faith, but these prized religious objects are
treasured today by many faiths, and even by nonreligious individuals.
Originally worn as a religious ritual object, prayer boxes are now used
primarily as jewelry and worn for sentimental, not religious,
purposes.
Prayer/Wish Box Variations
Prayer boxes come in many styles, shapes, sizes and
materials, but they all share one thing in common - they are containers for a
cherished item of religious or personal significance. The opening to the
compartment is most often secured with a latch, of which there are many types.
Others open and close with a few turns, much like the lid on a glass jar.
Religious Uses of Prayer Boxes
Prayer boxes are used by the followers of many faiths,
including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. All
faiths use prayer boxes to focus the mind on one’s prayerful thoughts or secret
wishes, typically by writing down a prayer or wish on a small piece of paper
and placing it into the box. Doing so is believed by the faithful
to make these prayers and wishes come true. It is also possible to place
a small religious object inside the prayer box. A follower of the Hindu
faith, for instance, might place a sacred Rudraksha seed, also known as
"Shiva's tear," inside the prayer box.
Religious Motifs
Prayer boxes can incorporate images of deities or religious
teachers, such as Ganesha, Lord Buddha (see image to the left), or Quan
Yin. Much more common, however, are prayer boxes that integrate religious
symbols into their designs, such as the star of David, the Christian cross, the
Christian fish symbol (Ichthus), praying hands, the Om symbol, or the Tibetan
prayer wheel.
Sentimental Uses of Prayer Boxes
Prayer boxes also have sentimental uses. For example,
a spouse's lock of hair, a small photo of mom, the first lost tooth of your
child, and other cherished items can be placed in the box and worn throughout
the day as a remembrance of a loved one, here or long departed. An
inspirational thought might also be written down and placed in one’s prayer
box, from which strength can be drawn throughout the day.
Inspirational
Message Prayer Boxes
In recent years, message prayer boxes have made their way
onto the market. These boxes are usually engraved with a word, such as
Peace, Hope, Love or Faith. These words can also be written onto the box
using silver wiring or granulations (small silver dots), that are soldered into
place to form each letter of the word.
Many individuals use prayer boxes as jewelry, and for no
other purpose. A beautiful prayer box does make a splendid focal point or
centerpiece on a necklace and adds class to any bracelet. What is the
difference between a prayer box pendant and a prayer box charm?
Size. Smaller boxes are usually used as charms on a bracelet, whereas
larger boxes are typically used as the centerpiece of a necklace.
