Greek Zen: Komboloi Worry Beads

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The Greeks are wonderfully laid-back. Last summer, I discovered why.

I noticed it in a coffee shop on my first evening in Athens: a click-clacking sound from the next table. The occupant, an old man with a face as deeply lined as an elephant’s, was deftly, theatrically twirling a long string of beads in one hand. Nobody else batted an eyelid.

Komboloi, or worry beads, are both a fashion accessory and a fidget toy for all ages and part of Greek culture now for almost a century. They’re a way to channel nervousness – for example, if you’re kicking a habit like nicotine or caffeine – or if you simply want to enjoy their calming influence. In Athens, you can’t take ten steps without bumping into someone selling them. But that skips half the fun – why not make your own?

Find a supplier of sustainable or recycled beads – for example, Oklah Tetteh’s recycled glass beads. distributed by eShopAfrica. Any material goes (as long as it clicks nicely).

Once you’ve got them drilled, string them on strong thread or fine chain. Vary the bead size, mixing big and small – and leave a good-sized gap so they can move around. Need inspiration? Browse the Komboloi Museum. Happy clicking!

Image: Nico Kaiser

Mike Sowden

Mike Sowden is a freelance writer based in the north of England, obsessed with travel, storytelling and terrifyingly strong coffee. He has written for online & offline publications including Mashable, Matador Network and the San Francisco Chronicle, and his work has been linked to by Lonely Planet, World Hum and Lifehacker. If all the world is a stage, he keeps tripping over scenery & getting tangled in the curtain - but he's just fine with that.