In many Spanish homes, there is a custom passed down from grandmothers to granddaughters: when a baby is born, someone in the family gives them a Saint Benedict medal. Sometimes it is attached to the crib or the stroller; other times it is kept so they can wear it when they are older. We will tell you where this tradition comes from and how to choose a medal for a baby, a baptism, or a First Communion.
Khartes Medals
Our Saint Benedict Medals
Saint Benedict Medal with Natural Pearl€69I want it
Saint Benedict Medal with Tiger's Eye€65I want it
Saint Benedict Medal with Amethyst€65I want it
Handmade in Spain · Free shipping from €65
Watch the video
Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe, and our medals
Why Saint Benedict for a baby?
The Saint Benedict medal is one of the oldest in the Catholic tradition. It bears the saint's cross and Latin initials that form a prayer asking for protection against evil. That is why, for generations, families have chosen it for the moments when they want to care for someone the most: a birth, a trip, a move, or a new beginning. We explain it in detail in the meaning of the Saint Benedict medal.
The medal in the crib
It is customary in many families to place the medal in the crib, the stroller, or the car seat, always securely fastened and out of the baby's reach. For safety, a baby should never wear chains or medals around their neck: the beautiful thing is to keep it and give it to them when they are older, as a reminder that their family entrusted them to God from day one.
Who gives it
- Godparents, on the day of the baptism. It is one of the most classic gifts from godmothers and godfathers.
- Grandmothers, when meeting the baby.
- A friend of the mother, as a gift for her: many mothers wear their own Saint Benedict medal when their child is born.
How to choose it
If it is to be kept and worn when they are older, choose one they will always like. Our favorites for this occasion:
- The classic that never fails: the Saint Benedict medal with a natural pearl.
- For a girl: the one with pink stones or the one with pearl and lilac enamel.
- For a boy: the one with tiger's eye or the one with topaz.
- For the mother: a medal with a matching bracelet in our gift packs.
All our Saint Benedict medals are handmade in Spain, plated in 18K gold, and come with their chain and gift-wrapped. If you are looking for more ideas, check out our baptism gifts and First Communion gifts.
And when they grow up
That medal that was in their crib could be the one they wear on their First Communion day, the one they take to university, or the one they, one day, give to their own child. That is why it is worth making it beautiful.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.