In Spanish the word milagro means "miracle". Milagros are small charms, generally made of gold, silver, copper or brass, which the faithful believe are endowed with spiritual or magical powers for healing and for helping restore and preserve well-being and balance in their lives, or the lives of those for whom they pray.
Milagros came into the new world with the Spaniards and are now used as symbolic decorative elements, as well as for meaningful spiritual gifts. For example, if a friend is about to have an eye operation, the gift of an eye milagro, is appropriate, or an arm and a leg given to a couple trying to buy a house can wish them good luck obtaining financing. The possibilities are endless.
Milagros then, are not solely religious items, nor are they only for collecting. They are part of a magical and symbolic past, and are an ongoing part of a fascinating folk culture which continues to influence our lives in the southwest today.
The History of The Sacred Milagros
The small Milagros charms, often depict arms, legs, praying people, farm animals and a wide range of other subjects. They are typically nailed, pinned or hung from ribbons on crosses, altars, shrines or sacred objects. They are also carried, worn or pinned on clothing for protection and good luck.
Milagros of animals often are used to ask for help healing sick livestock or to ask for fertility; a Milagros of a body part, such as an arm, might be used to ask for the healing of an associated illness, such as arthritis. Similarly, a heart might represent a heart condition, or prayers for love.
In Mexico, the use of Milagros are often connected with a common practice, known as a "Manda". This where a person will ask saint a favor, and then, in order to repay the saint after the favor has been granted, makes a pilgrimage to the saint's shrine, and leaves a Milagros with a small written prayer of thanks.
Discover more at Milagros (Miracle) Healing Charms
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