krunice

Krunice, plural of krunica, is the term used in Serbo-Croatian languages to denote a rosary, a prayer bead necklace used in Christian devotion. The word derives from kruna, meaning crown, reflecting the idea of a crown of prayers surrounding Mary and Christ. Krunice are most commonly associated with Catholic practice in the region, though related devotional bead strands appear in other Christian traditions.

Construction and design vary, but a typical krunica includes a crucifix, a short introductory section with a few beads, and five decades of ten beads each, often separated by marker beads. Beads can be made from wood, glass, plastic, or more precious materials. Some krunice are arranged on a single strand, while others connect two strands through a center medallion or ring.

Usage and prayers follow a familiar pattern: prayers are counted on the beads to aid meditation on the life of Jesus and Mary. The standard sequence includes Our Father on the larger beads and Hail Mary on the smaller beads, with additional prayers such as the Glory Be and, in many traditions, the Fatima Prayer. Since 2002, many Catholic communities also contemplate the Luminous Mysteries alongside the traditional Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries.

Regional and cultural context: Krunice are widely used in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and among Serb Catholic communities, as well as by other South Slavic Christian groups practicing rosary devotion. Variants reflect local piety, materials, and the specific devotions observed in different communities.