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MilagrosDo you believe in Miracles? Milagros, a Spanish word for Miracle, found in many areas of Latin America, are used by the people to petition saints for help or protection. In many of the churches, one can see wooden statues of various saints, the Virgin Mary, or of Christ. On these figures, people often pin small metal images, known as sacred milagros, of arms, legs, animals, praying figures or other symbols of their prayers. Many are attached along with a written, personal note. I have even seen them attached alongside a "no-longer-needed" crutch or a similar object. These little metal charms or sacred milagros serve to remind the saint of the person's prayers or to thank the saint for prayers that have been answered. Each Milagro is specially made for a unique purpose, so the variety is enormous, and deeply personal. To witness these shrine-like testimonials is a very emotional, sacred event for me. I consider these privileged visits that should be respected in quiet reverence and unhurried reflection.
Altered Art Artisans enjoy applying these sacred miracle charms in their work for powerful, symbolic messages. Charm bracelets have been a constant favorite across all generations. Milagro Miracle charms are unique attachments bearing personal symbolism.
A few Milagros and their meanings are listed here:
*THE PRAYING WOMAN* This popular Milagro can represent a woman, such as a mother or wife. It might represent the prayers of a woman, or ones own prayers or posture of prayerfulness. It can also represent any female saint, or as the Virgin Mary. 
*THE WOMAN'S HEAD* A Milagro of a woman's head might literally represent a woman’s head, her mind, her spirit, or maybe a condition such a headache. 
*THE MAN'S HEAD* A Milagro of a man’s head might literally represent a man’s head, his mind, his spirit, or maybe a condition such a headache. 
*THE PRAYING MAN* This milagro can represent a man, such as ones father or husband or any other man who is perceived as being faithful. It might represent the prayers of a man, or ones own prayers or posture of prayerfulness of a man. 
*THE LEG* This charm might represent ones leg, or some condition associated with it, such as an injury, or arthritis. It might also represent ones strength, and the concept of travel, such as, walking, a journey, or even the prayer involved in daily travel. 
*THE ARM* The Milagro of the arm might represent an arm, and some condition associated with it, such as an injury, or arthritis. It might also represent ones strength, ones ability to work. It might represent an embrace. Any part of the arm might be the focus of the prayers, such as the hand, or finger. 
*THE EYES* The Milagro of the eyes is often connected with a popular Mexican saint - Santa Lucia - who, in her popular image, is shown with a tray with two eyes on it. People pray to her about eye conditions. The eyes can also represent the concept of watching. 
*THE HEART* This beloved charm can represent the human heart, or of worries over a heart condition. Or, it might represent the love that one person feels for another. It can also represent the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or the Sacred Heart of Mary. 
*THE HOUSE* This special charm represents, normally, ones own home, and the blessings that might be had in it, and on the family that dwells there. When traveling, it can be a charm to insure that one will arrive safely home again, or it can establish a connection between the traveler and the loved ones at home. 
*THE GIRL* This popular Milagro might represent one’s female child, or a niece, a grandchild, or any other girl. It might also represent the sense of nurturing ones inner child. It can also be connected to praying a petition for giving birth to a baby girl. 
*THE BOY* This very popular milagro might represent one’s male child, or a nephew, a grandchild, or any other boy. It might also represent the the sense of nurturing ones inner child. It can also be connected to prayer of petition to give birth to a baby boy. 
*THE SHEEP* The sheep could symbolize any of the Bible verses about sheep, such as the parable of the Good Shepherd or the Lamb of God. It could also symbolize the concept of togetherness. 
*THE HORSE* The horse might symbolize the qualities of a man in being a workhorse, or it might symbolize travel, and be involved in a prayer about a journey. 
*THE DOG* The family dog milagro could symbolize loyalty. It could also symbolize protection. 
*THE MULE* The mule, like the horse, might symbolize the qualities in being a workhorse. It might symbolize travel, and be involved in a prayer about a journey. It might also be used as a prayer to overcome stubbornness. 
*THE PIG* The pig could symbolize nourishment. It might also be used as a charm in an attempt to erase the effects of behavior that is typically described in a negative way as being like that of a pig. |