Antique Milagro Cross

Antique Milagro Cross Early 20th Cent.

Anonymous Artisan

Tin and Metal

Ht. 16″ x W. 11″ x D. 3/8″

Milagros are small charms that represent prayers of petition or thanks. A person asking a favor of a saint or offering a prayer of gratitude will pin a milagro to a cross or sacred object in a church or shrine. The charm will be related to the particular prayer, for example an arm for a broken arm or eyes for better sight. Because the charms come in a huge variety of forms, they have become highly collectable and are now often made into folk art items like this cross. “Milagro” means “miracle” in Spanish.

This cross is early 20^th century. The milagros are made from silver and/or bronze, different from the cheap pot medal versions commonly made today.