Milagro (votive)

A milagro (Spanish for "miracle") is a small religious charm traditionally used in Latin American and Southwestern United States Catholic cultures. These charms are often made of metal, such as silver, tin, or gold, and come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, each representing a specific request, gratitude, or ailment.

Milagros are typically offered to a particular saint or divine figure as a form of prayer, a petition for healing, or in thanksgiving for a blessing received. The specific shape of the milagro corresponds to the intention. For example, a heart might represent a request for love or healing of a broken heart, while a depiction of a leg or arm may be offered in hopes of healing a related physical ailment.

These charms are frequently pinned to the clothing of statues of saints, or hung on altars and shrines within churches and private homes. They can also be worn as pendants or carried as personal talismans. The use of milagros reflects a deeply held belief in the power of intercession by saints and the tangible connection between the devotee and the divine. Their origins can be traced to pre-Christian traditions and have become an integral part of folk Catholicism.

The practice of offering milagros is a testament to the enduring power of faith and hope in seeking solace, healing, and blessings.