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The word "chaplet" (rosary) originally referred to a flower wreath. In the Middle Ages, it was worn over the head at solemn receptions and in processions. Miniatures from the 15th century (Bourges) show participants of the Corpus Christi procession, including prominent people, the clergy, even priests carrying the monstrance stretcher, canopy or candle bearers, trumpeters and sergeants, wearing wreaths (chapels) of roses, marjoram and violets on their heads.
Devotees of the Virgin Mary naturally adorned her statues with flowery chaplets. The day came when the word was applied not only to these rose wreaths, but also to the wreaths of prayer beads representing the Hail Marys given to Mary.
The word rosary likens this Marian prayer to a garland of roses adorning statues of the Virgin Mary. Catholics like to crown statues of Mary with little flower hats (chaplets), or with garlands of roses (rosaries), like those worn by young girls on feast days. Eventually the ropes and abacus used to count the Our Fathers and Hail Marys were given these beautiful names. Each Hail Mary is thus like a rose offered to the Virgin Mary!