Can I Start The Rosary On The Centerpiece?

Hi,
My Mother taught me the rosary and the way she thought me is quite different from any way I've ever seen it on the internet or in books.

The way she taught me is to first make the sign of the cross while holding the centerpiece and then go straight into the decades. My Great Grandmother (my Mother's Grandmother) and my Nana (my Father's Mother) also say it this way. Once I asked my Nana what the first five beads were for and she said they were only used at Mass.

I know the method of praying with the apostles creed which this site and a lot of other ones teaches, but I like the way I was thought because it's kind of special to me.

I'm from Ireland, so maybe this is an Irish custom? I used to think it was maybe a family custom but, both my Father's family and my Mother's pray it that way.

I also know people who use the first five beads on the rosary, but don't say the creed. Are these acceptable methods of praying the rosary? Thank you.

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