Milagro Bracelet

The milagros on the bracelets above, came from a big jingley necklace a friend bought in Mexico years ago. It was fine to wear on vacation; but too flashy and noisy for her to wear many places in her daily life.

Jingle bells in church or the office – I don’t think so. So she gave it to me, thinking I could do something with the pieces.

When I use the milagro charms to make a bracelet for someone, I try to include charms that have some significance for the person. The milagros have a very folk art look to them. The figures are usually quite primitive in shape. That is not only their tradition, but also their charm.

“Milagro” is Spanish for “miracle”. Milagro charms are very significant in Hispanic culture. They are frequently nailed onto sacred objects or hung with little red ribbons or threads from altars and shrines. People also carry milagros for protection and good luck.

The various milagro forms have different meanings. For example, a milagro of a leg might be used with a prayer for relief from arthritis. Or, it might signify a prayer for a safe trip.

A heart could accompany a prayer for improvement in a heart condition or in an affair of the heart.

When I give someone one of my milagro bracelets, I always include a little card explaining the significance.

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