Mala beads, better known as prayer beads, came into existence in India during the eighth century. Used as talismans, they were first used for protection as well as amulets for luck and status symbols for wealth. Later during that period, people saw the significance of using Mala beads for bartering and trade. Significantly, prayer beads became important in the Christian, Islam, Buddhism, Muslim and Hinduism religions during the 17th century. Ireland, on the other hand, began using Mala beads as the Christian rosary. These beads contain 59 beads which is used to count prayers that are recited in honor of the Virgin Mary.