Learn about Begleri

Begleri (Greek) is a small skill toy consisting of one or more beads at either end of a short string or chain. The begleri originated in Greece, and was originally derived from the komboloi, which serves the function of worry beads, and are often flipped around to pass the time or keep the hands busy.  While komboloia have beads forming a closed circle, begleri beads are threaded on an open strand, usually in a symmetrical formation, with equal weighting at either end.

Historically, begleri was associated with the Greek mangas subculture, and the rebetiko style of music, popular until the 1960s. In recent years, begleri has grown in popularity outside of Greece, as a skill toy and everyday carry item.

Due to the nature of play, begleri have shifted from traditional ornate beads to simpler performance-oriented beads. Two common begleri types are monkey-fist "beads", made from paracord, and solid beads, which can be made of metal (aluminum, steel, titanium), acrylic resin, Delrin, or wood.

Learn how to get started with Begleri with this video by @aroundsquare