Devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary originated with the Dominican Order in the 15th century. The Dominican Order promoted use of the rosary as an active means of prayer in which the Ave Marie was devoutly recited. In New Mexico Our Lady of the Rosary was honored in many churches and was usually depicted dressed in the wide, stiff skirt popularly used for Spanish and New World miraculous images of the Virgin Mary. She wears a crown and is holding the Christ Child in one arm and her rosary in the other hand. She is prayed to for earthly boons and for blessings upon the souls of the departed.