The komboloi

Where you go, eat or drink, everywhere you come you will see them, from very small to very large: the komboloi, used by young and old. Is it a prayer chain, such as the Rosary? There is only one way to find out, just ask.
The answer you get is typical. First they look at you, then you need to sit down, and drink a raki. You expect an answer.
An elderly man hold his komboloi high and says: "this is the komboloi." Unfortunately, first attempt fails.
Than otherwise: "what is the meaning of the komboloi?" Actually this question even turns out to be less smart. The answer remains: "komboloi". After a couple of raki and a few other answers, there seems to be more clarity at last. A man says:  "I'll explain what a komboloi is ". Also the other men came forward and listened. But first another raki and a cigarette. The man now knows all eyes are focused and he begins his story:
"The komboloi is specially for the men and their worries. "What should I do? I have to pay the baker this week, but I don't have the money; I should go to the butcher for meat, otherwise my wife starts to complain; my boss pays me only half of what I earn. KOMBOLOI!!!!! What should I do.
The first large bead, then each bead for a reflection and KOMBOLOI, then all the beads will be thrown away in the other hand".
Everybody starts laughing in the tavern, because everyone understood that this is nonsense. But in this nonsense also shows the meaning of the Komboloi. In any case, as he is used nowadays. In English they're called worry-beads, this is a clear explanation of the word.
The komboloi is a "friend" with whom you can share all the pleasure,  your worries and your sadness. In times of trouble, he helps you to stay quiet. While you slowly let the beads go through your fingers, you can think things over. It might become even a meditation. You can also play the komboloi trying to quit bad habits  such as smoking.

It is a proven remedy against stress, and possibly even high blood pressure. In any case it keeps the fingers and the hand smoothly, perhaps a good therapy for people with RSI problems.
The ticking of the beads sound peaceful. But I must say that sometimes people become irritated by the sound and dislike it. However in all books you will read precisely this description, maybe the irritation comes from ourselves, from our busy live.

It looks  like you are doing nothing, just think or aimlessly staring. However, the komboloiplayer uses the komboloi to increase his concentration, and to stay concentrated. The Greeks also say "play the komboloi". Let him be a part of yourself. Some people play the komboloi like an artist.  You see the komboloi go by their fingers and suddenly it seems like the komboloi is alive and they can hardly hold him in the hand. This takes a lot of exercise.