In Greek or Cypriot culture, beads can be used to simply pass the time, and perform no religious or ceremonial function whatsoever. Perhaps it is why they are called 'worry beads' or 'komboloi.' As their names suggest, the komboloi have no religious purpose although their origins date back to the time when monks in Mount Athos made prayer ropes (or 'komboskini' from which the name komboloi is derived).