Some christening gifts are outgrown in three months, while others are kept for a lifetime. A Virgin of Carmen medal for a baby is one of the latter: it is their first medal, the one they will wear one day and perhaps pass on to their own children.
Why the Virgin of Carmen
- Because their name is Carmen, Carmela, or Carmelo, or because it is the name of their mother or grandmother.
- Because the family is from the sea: the Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, and in coastal towns she is the family's patron saint.
- Because they were born in July, close to the 16th, her feast day.
- Because she is one of the most beloved devotions in Spain and Latin America, and you can never go wrong.
Who gives it
Tradition says that the first medal is given by the godparents or grandparents, but it is just as well if it comes from an aunt or a close friend of the mother. The beautiful thing is that someone entrusts the baby to her from day one: that is why we say that giving a medal is an act of love. We tell you more in the christening medal: a tradition you carry for a lifetime.
Virgin of Carmen medals to give as a gift
How to use it while they are a baby
Important: a baby should not wear chains or necklaces around their neck, especially not to sleep. Our medals come with an adult chain (40 cm plus a 5 cm extender), designed for when they grow up. In the meantime:
- Keep it in its box, with the card from the person who gave it to them, along with their christening keepsakes.
- Let their mother wear it until they can wear it themselves: many mothers wear their child's medal along with their own.
- Only put it on them for photos at the christening, always with an adult present.
- Give it to them at their First Communion or when they are older, and tell them who gave it to them.
Which one to choose
For a christening, the most classic models work very well: natural pearls, or a pearl with blue or white enamel. They are the ones that age the best and that they will wear just the same at 15 as at 40. If you are unsure, see how to choose your Virgin of Carmen medal and our guide what medal to give at a christening.
Ready to give as a gift
They all arrive wrapped as a gift free of charge, with an illustration of the Virgin of Carmen and a text telling her story. And you can add a handwritten card free of charge with your message for the baby or their parents. You can find more ideas in our collection of christening gifts.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.