Patron Saint of Travelers - Small St. Christopher

Handcrafted from an antique sacred medallion from France, this talisman features St. Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers.

According to the legendary account of his life Christopher was initially called Reprobus. Acquiring in time extraordinary size and strength, Reprobus resolved to serve only the strongest and the bravest. He bound himself successively to a mighty king and to Satan, but he found both lacking in courage, the former dreading even the name of the devil, and the latter frightened by the sight of a cross at the roadside.

For a time his search for a new master was in vain, but at last he found a hermit who told him to offer his allegiance to Christ, instructed him in the faith, and baptized him. Christopher, as he was now called, would not promise to do any fasting or praying, but willingly accepted the task of carrying people, for God's sake, across a raging stream. One day he was carrying a child who continually grew heavier, so that it seemed to him as if he had the whole world on his shoulders.

When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: "You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were." The child replied: "You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work." The child then vanished.

Christopher later visited the city of Lycia and there comforted the Christians who were being martyred. Brought before the local king, he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. The king tried to win him by riches and by sending two beautiful women to tempt him. Christopher converted the women to Christianity, as he had already converted thousands in the city. The king ordered him to be killed. Various attempts failed, but finally Christopher was decapitated.

This talisman is approximately 5/8” round and hangs on a 18" stainless steel baby ball chain that closes with a ball chain connector clasp. Other types of chains are sold separately.

Each piece of jewelry from The Silver Acorn comes packaged in a tasteful gift box with a meaning card ready for gift-giving.

Handcrafted in my studio in Spokane, Washington, each symbolic wax seal item from The Silver Acorn is hand-stamped in reclaimed fine silver or bronze and will be slightly different and uniquely yours.