A milagro hand is a piece of Mexican folk art featuring a carved hand adorned with small metal charms called milagros, used as devotional objects to represent prayers for strength, ability, protection, or gratitude, symbolizing miracles and blessings in Latin American traditions.
What it is
-
Milagros: Spanish for "miracles," these are small votive offerings, often metal charms in various shapes (body parts, animals, hearts) representing specific needs or thanks
.
The Hand: A wooden or sometimes metal hand decorated with these charms serves as a focal point for devotion, representing concepts like strength, the ability to work, an embrace, or general blessings.
Symbolism & Use
- Prayer & Thanks: People offer milagros to saints in exchange for prayers answered or to petition for help with a specific ailment or desire, such as healing an arm or gaining strength.
- Protection: A milagro hand can be used to invoke divine protection or ward off harm, often hung on walls in homes or placed near shrines.
- Personal Meaning: The specific meaning of a milagro is deeply personal, tied to the user's intentions, though general symbolism exists (e.g., a heart for love, an eye for insight).
- 3.5" x 2"