What are rosary beads used for?

As someone who was not raised religious, can someone explain what are rosary beads used for? How exactly are they used?

Hi dan,

A rosary provides a physical method of keeping track of the number of Hail Marys said. The fingers are moved along the beads as the prayers are recited. By not having to keep track of the count mentally, the mind is more able to meditate on the mysteries. A five decade rosary contains five groups of ten beads (a decade), with additional large beads before each decade. The Hail Mary is said on the ten beads within a decade, while the Our Father is said on the large bead before each decade. A new mystery is meditated upon at each of the large beads.

Good Question ! I'd like to know too. I know they are used in prayer but that's all about them.

Thank you for answer editor. one more question: What do you mean by mystery?

I think that only has to do with the Catholic religion.

the beads each stand for a prayer until you get to the tenth one and then there is a saying for the day it is