Rose petal beads

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I have an obscure topic. I need documentation (including
bibliography) regarding the origin and history of rose petal beads
(rosaries). I have made these beads with great success (basically
boiling and macerating the petals into a pulp, then rolling it into
compact beads) based on a recipe that was supposedly from the 11th
century. But I am having difficulty documenting this technique and
its history. I have heard rumors that rosary beads were made
originally out of rose petals, hence the term "rosary". I would like
to find documentation for that statement as well.
Any references or leads would be greatly appreciated.

Diane Merrill

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:1
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 10, 1998
                        Message Id: cdl-12-1-014
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