Conoces esta costumbre?  Milagros are an ancient aspect of Latin folk culture: small silver or gold votive offerings that look like charm bracelet charms and come in so many shapes.  Even if obscured by tiempo o distancia, it’s a part of the cultura, the making altars of wants and losses.

Arms, legs, lips, loose tongues, hips danced out of place.  Sacred Hearts, a handsome man, a dying goat… A shape for cualquier cosa; aun mejor, a shape that will fit in your palm!

The next time you find yourself wanting or suffering, remember that you come from gente who were not afraid to kneel.  Everything you can’t afford to lose, pin on the walls.  Light una vela.   Pray.  Wait for those needs to turn to dust or light, in time.

*photo by Bárbara Porto