Το κομπολόι

Το κομπολόι

Worry beads or kombolói, kompoloi (Greek: κομπολόι, plural: κομπολόγια) is a string of beads manipulated with one or two hands and used to pass time in Greek and Cypriot culture. 

Unlike the similar prayer beads used in many religious traditions, including the Greek Orthodox komboskini, worry beads have no religious or ceremonial purpose.

Worry beads have several uses in Greek culture, including

relaxation, enjoyment, and generally passing the time
as an amulet, to guard against bad luck
used by people who wish to limit smoking

as a mark of power and social prestige. This is especially true in the case of expensive worry beads made of silver or amber.