This Milagro Decoration Kit was inspired by a display of Milagros from around the world and on view inside at the Museum of International Folk Art, in Santa Fe.
Pictured alongside the kit are photos of a few of the museum's Milagro displays.
When the Spanish came to the New World, they brought with them the Milagro tradition. Translated from Spanish to English, the word Milagro means miracle. These “charms” can be made of silver, tin or gold, bone, wood, or wax; and come in many shapes and sizes: from hearts, hands, and eyes, to houses, and animals. Milagros can be offered for healing or in gratitude for a prayer answered. Equally they are carried or given for protection and good luck.
The Milagro set is made of plywood and is unpainted. Enjoy it as or paint your very own. Instructions included, but please note, for best results, we recommend you remove the Milagros out of the kit and paint them before assembling.
String them together to make a wall hanging, hang them on a tree, or give them as Valentine's Day gifts. Approximate dimensions for the hand Milagro: 7" high or 18cm.
Below are some of the qualities assigned to Milagros.
- Heart: love, joy, longing, passion, worry
- Hand: work, strength, creativity, creation, help
- Eyes: vision, insight, intuition, vigilance
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Horse: work, speed, travel, journey
- Dog: dog, protection, loyalty
- House: home, protection, family
- Credits for the Milagros pictured:
Picture to the left are photos of the source of inspiration for the Milagro set: metal milagros from various countries, Girard Foundation Collection, Museum of International Folk Art.