{"id":4734,"date":"2013-09-04T02:08:45","date_gmt":"2013-09-04T02:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/prayables\/?p=4734"},"modified":"2013-09-04T02:12:39","modified_gmt":"2013-09-04T02:12:39","slug":"story-of-the-red-string","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayables\/2013\/09\/story-of-the-red-string.html","title":{"rendered":"Story of the Red String"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"red-string-300x240\"<\/a>I am really lucky to have a wonderful family and a terrific set of friends from all walks of life. American, European, Asian, Hispanic, African American, Jewish, Christian, non-believers, young and older, and the list goes on\u2026 One thing they all have in common: \u00a0They love my Red String.<\/p>\n

Two years ago I began wearing a Red String around my wrist. \u201cWhy are you wearing a red string on your wrist?\u201d I was constantly asked. \u00a0You now are aware that I have very inquisitive friends and family. How lucky is that!<\/p>\n

This is my response:<\/p>\n

\u201cI wear my red scarlet string around my wrist as a type of talisman, thought to have magic powers of protection and bring good luck. The string is made from thin wool thread and is worn as a bracelet on my left wrist with seven tiny knots, all having meaning.<\/p>\n

The custom of wearing the red string dates back to Genesis 38 and is worn to ward off misfortune. The tradition is popularly thought to be associated with Judaism\u2019s Kabbalah (the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible). The string is left on my wrist until it falls off on its own accord, at which time I tie another red strong on my wrist. My last red string stayed on my wrist for exactly one year to the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

After explaining the meaning of the Red String, here are some questions I hear, as well as my responses:<\/p>\n