This little table-top Christmas tree is adorned with
treasures that my husband and I have picked up over the years when traveling to
New Mexico. From its Milagros ornaments, chile peppers, prayer cards, turquoise
balls and burlap ribbons, the tree represent many of the things we love about
the state.
Milagro, also known as an ex-voto, means miracle or surprise in
Spanish. These tiny religious folk charms are historically used for healing
purposes. You’ll find them all over New Mexico attached to altars, shrines and
sacred objects in places of worship.
Chile peppers grow in
abundance in New Mexico. Red, green or Christmas (red and green) are key
ingredients used in the savory sauces that are ladled over many dishes in New
Mexican cuisine – everything from enchiladas and tamales to cheeseburgers and
pizza (yes, pizza) can be smothered in chiles and often is.
Turquoise – who can
resist the rich and calming color of turquoise stones which embellish everything
from jewelry and cowboy hats to cow skulls and horse saddles.
Our prayer cards were
found in an off-the-beaten-path monastery surrounded by desert and mountains.
And of course…burlap, which represents the rustic beauty of
the land.
No comments:
Post a Comment