In Spanish, the word milagro means miracle or surprise. Milagros are religious folk charms used as votive offerings to show devotion, symbolize a particular need, or show gratitude for a prayer answered. A petitioner might attach a milagro that is a representation of their need onto an alter, shrine, or saint. From example, if a farmer wanted a good harvest, he would offer a little bundle of grain shaped from metals, wax, wood, or bone. A milagro of a body part, such as a heart, might be a prayer for recovery from a heart condition, or a wish for romance.
The use of milagros dates back to the Middle-Ages in Europe. Milagros are still widely used in their religious context in contemporary Mexico and Latin America. They are also being worn as jewelry, used as decor, and have been incorporated into both fine and folk art.
