Prayer rope getting wet?

[AMM]

Can a chotki get wet or will that ruin it? I guess that depends on the specific material being used (this is more of a physics+chemistry question than a theological one). Or if water is fine (I imagine it usually would be), would soap be damaging? Should I be careful about washing my hands while wearing my 33 knot chotki, and should I avoid wearing it when I take showers, go swimming, etc?

 

[~Anastasia~]

I asked the same question once.

I always take mine off and try not to get it wet, but if it does, it shouldn't hurt it. I'm guessing it's wool? The ones made of fake fibers are ok too but I think they might harden faster if they get wet repeatedly.

If you happen to have something made of leather, I'd try to keep that dry. Those can pick up an odor if wetted.

ETA you can even somewhat shrink a wool one by washing in very hot water.

 

[~Anastasia~]

(I know nuns who sew theirs on by running a thread through and never remove them for years - wool prayer ropes.)

 

[archer75]

(I know nuns who sew theirs on by running a thread through and never remove them for years - wool prayer ropes.)

Sew them on to...their habit?

 

[~Anastasia~]

Sew them on to...their habit?

Nope. To their wrists.

The way I first heard was one of the sisters was saying they can get pulled and damaged, and she was given one when she became a nun. They often run a thread through the knots and tie it off to prevent the knots being pulled out. Because this one was special, she put it on then ran the thread. They don't stretch after that, so it can't be taken off anymore.

Not stitched TO their skin of course. Sorry.

 

[AMM]

I asked the same question once.

I always take mine off and try not to get it wet, but if it does, it shouldn't hurt it. I'm guessing it's wool? The ones made of fake fibers are ok too but I think they might harden faster if they get wet repeatedly.

If you happen to have something made of leather, I'd try to keep that dry. Those can pick up an odor if wetted.

ETA you can even somewhat shrink a wool one by washing in very hot water.

Interesting - that's what I figured. It's not a huge deal to take it off and try to keep it dry, but it's good to know it's not going to dissolve or anything drastic haha. I think my wrist one is fake fibers, but I have a 100 knot from a monastery and I'm pretty certain that's wool.

Nope. To their wrists.

The way I first heard was one of the sisters was saying they can get pulled and damaged, and she was given one when she became a nun. They often run a thread through the knots and tie it off to prevent the knots being pulled out. Because this one was special, she put it on then ran the thread. They don't stretch after that, so it can't be taken off anymore.

Not stitched TO their skin of course. Sorry.

That's really cool! I was also confused about them stitching it to their skin

 

[ArmyMatt]

I have one I used while caught in the rain...I still got it

 

[Hermit76]

Mine isn't wool and I never take it off unless I'm praying. I think it's some kind of nylon.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

If you bought your prayer rope with Prayercare coverage, 24/7 round the clock customer service is available to provide coverage and deal with your prayer rope issues. Mud, water, antifreeze, oil, bleach, fruit juices, battery acid, all covered. They will give you a loner rope until warranty can repair it. Deductibles are competitive, and they can give you a quote over the phone. The website is
www.joanieloveschotki.com. Danny Aiello shops there all the time. Gift wrapping available.

Travel prayer rope coverage is also available. Salt damage from the Dead Sea and prayer ropes that fell out of roller coasters are not covered.

Seriously OP, swimming or showering with a prayer rope? This is one tripped-out thread. Did someone put something strange in your baklava last Sunday?

 

[~Anastasia~]

I've forgotten to take mine off more than once before showering. Then again, I've gotten in the shower a time or few wearing my bifocals, only to realize as I went to wash my face.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Mine is Teflon coated with neoprene waterproofed

 

[All4Christ]

Not stitched TO their skin of course. Sorry.

So glad to hear this! My eyes were growing wider and wider

 

[Sword of the Lord]

My little 33 knot wool rope has been left in my pocket and run through the washer AND dryer more times than I can remember. It hasn't come apart or shrunk.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I've never had one come apart, and I pull on them a bit to separate the knots or stretch them sometimes.

Sister said the long ones they wear attached at the waist can get caught on things as they walk by and I guess it's the extreme stress that can pull the knots loose. I had to just take her word for it. I'm sure it's quite a loss comparatively to have a 300-knot or 500-knot prayer rope be ruined. I've never needed one that long.

I read they were tied in such a way as to not come apart. Maybe there's more than one way to do it.

 

[Hermit76]

I'm

I've never had one come apart, and I pull on them a bit to separate the knots or stretch them sometimes.

Sister said the long ones they wear attached at the waist can get caught on things as they walk by and I guess it's the extreme stress that can pull the knots loose. I had to just take her word for it. I'm sure it's quite a loss comparatively to have a 300-knot or 500-knot prayer rope be ruined. I've never needed one that long.

I read they were tied in such a way as to not come apart. Maybe there's more than one way to do it.

I'm having a 7,777 knot rope made. I mean, when you're holy...

 

[ArmyMatt]

I read they were tied in such a way as to not come apart. Maybe there's more than one way to do it.

they are 9 crosses tied in on themselves to make the knot.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I'm having a 7,777 knot rope made. I mean, when you're holy...

...you make an 8,888 knot rope.

 

[KernelPanic]

Are plastic prayer beads a thing?

 

[Mary of Bethany]

Are plastic prayer beads a thing?

In a word - No.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Are plastic prayer beads a thing?

they are, but usually I have seen for kids. never seen them for adults.