In many families, and in almost all Aragonese families, a child's first medal is the Pilarica. The Virgin of El Pilar medal for a baby is a baptism gift with roots: it tells them where they come from and who loves them.
Why the Virgin of El Pilar
- Because their name is Pilar, or it is the name of their mother, grandmother, or godmother.
- Because the family is from Aragon, or has its roots there even if they live far away.
- Because they were born in October, close to the 12th, her feast day.
- Because she is the patroness of Hispanic peoples, a Virgin who unites families on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Zaragoza, there are also two beautiful customs with children: having them pass under the Virgin's mantle in the basilica and tying the Medida de la Virgen around their necks, the ribbon that is the height of her image.
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 baptism medal: a tradition that lasts a lifetime.
Virgin of El Pilar medals to give as a gift
How to wear 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 baptism memories.
- 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 baptism, 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
The most classic models work very well for a baptism, such as the one with natural pearls: they age the best and will look just as good at 15 as they will at 40. If you want a nod to the flag, the ruby and sapphire one is beautiful. If you are unsure, see how to choose your Virgin of El Pilar medal and our guide what medal to give at a baptism.
Ready to give as a gift
They all arrive wrapped as a gift free of charge, with an illustration of the Virgin of El Pilar 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 baptism 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.