“Milagro” means miracle in Spanish and can refer to any number of things, including religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes in Mexico and the southwestern United States. While the folk charms vary in their material, shapes, and dimensions, in Northern New Mexico perhaps the most commonly seen ones are made of tin in the shape of hearts and hands. Milagros are considered good luck and might be hung for protection, as well as carried on one’s person.
Check out this cool photo of a gate found in Cerrillos, New Mexico that is decorated with milagros.
Image by Geraint Smith.