The History of the Wish/Prayer Box

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.

Wish/Prayer Box