How long have prayer beads been used for?

Prayer beads have been used for centuries, with origins tracing back to ancient spiritual practices. The earliest known use dates to around the 3rd century BCE, particularly within Hinduism and Buddhism. They serve as a tool for counting prayers, mantras, or meditative breaths, facilitating concentration and mindfulness during spiritual practices. Over time, various cultures adopted similar practices, leading to the diverse forms of prayer beads used today.