Milagros

Fresh from Santa Fe, we now have a selection of beautiful hand-cast milagros, inspired by traditional Mexican designs. So, what is a milagro? Well, upon entering a church in Latin American, one often sees the dressed statue of a saint curiously festooned with hundreds of tiny gold or silver arms, legs, animals, plants or praying figures. These votice objects have been hung on the saint by the faithful to remind the saint of the supplicant's injured arm or leg, injured or pregnant animal, endangered crop, or in petition of a special favor. These prayer offerings are commonly called "milagros" (miracles), "ex-votos" or "dijes" in Spanish. In many countries "milagros" may also have a symbolic or talismanic quality. A woman will wear a parrot or horse on her necklace because she identifies with the bird or animal; a village elder will hang a fish 'dije" from his staff of office because he is a fisherman, or perhaps from a fishing village. Cast in sterling silver or brass from original votice offerings found in various parts of the Americas, these "milagros" make special presents for friends in need: a foot "milagro" for an accident-prone skier, a horse "milagro" for a child hoping for a pony; the torso of a pregnant woman to wish a friend a safe pregnancy; a corn "milagro" for a gardener; a lung "milagro" for a friend trying to quit smoking; a praying figure for a special favor and so forth. What a humble and thought-provoking gift. What a stunning accent to a necklace, nestled among beaded silk crochet strands! What a unique pair of earrings!