A japamala, jaap maala, or simply mala is a loop of prayer beads commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is used for counting recitations (japa) of mantras, prayers or other sacred phrases. It is also worn to ward off evil, to count repetitions within some other form of sadhana such as prostrations before a holy icon. They are also used as symbols of religious identification.
Different types of Japa mala (prayer beads) selling in Varanasi, India
The Hindu god Brahma is shown depicted with a japamala in his hand.
The official imperial portrait of Qing Dynasty Empress Xiaozhuangwen with a mala
Kūkai (774–835), founder of Japanese Shingon, who brought some malas back to Japan from China.
A garland is a decorative braid, knot or wreath of flowers, leaves, or other material. Garlands can be worn on the head or around the neck, hung on an inanimate object, or laid in a place of cultural or religious importance.
Tinsel garlands on a Christmas tree
A daisy chain
Roman fresco of a woman with red hair wearing a garland (or chaplet) of olives, from Herculaneum, made sometime before the city's destruction in 79 AD by Mount Vesuvius (which also destroyed Pompeii).
Heavy flower garlands for sale in Chennai, India
