When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ancient Pilgrim Badge
3.86 gr.25 mm.
Pilgrim badges are decorations worn by some of those who undertake a Christian pilgrimage to a place considered holy by the Church. They became very popular among Catholics in the later medieval period, and continue to be bestowed upon those who complete Christian pilgrimages, especially those of the Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran traditions. Typically made of lead alloy, they were sold as souvenirs at sites of Christian pilgrimage and bear imagery relating to place to which the believers traveled to (e.g. palm frond associated with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem). The production of pilgrim badges flourished in the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries, but declined after the mid-16th century. Tens of thousands have been found since the mid-19th century, predominantly in rivers. Together they form the largest corpus of medieval art objects to survive to us today. In the present day, pilgrim certificates are typically bestowed upon those completing a Christian pilgrimage by the destination church, without any cost.
Pilgrimage sites housed a saint's relics: sometimes the whole body, sometimes a body part or significant object owned or touched by the saint. For example, St Thomas Becket was martyred at Canterbury Cathedral in England in 1170 and his body remained there, becoming the epicentre of an enormously popular cult. In 1220 it was translated into a costly shrine. The pilgrim souvenirs associated with his cult have a particularly diverse array of imagery, including that of his shrine, his head reliquary and scenes from his life. Other major sites that produced badges were Santiago de Compostela, Cologne, Our Lady of Rocamadour and Jerusalem. Their badges bore images that were iconic and easily recognisable, such as the scallop shell, the Adoration of the Magi, the St Peter or the Jerusalem Cross. Shrines to the Virgin were common all over Christendom, as are badges associable with her. They often show her holding the Infant Christ, or represent the first letter of her name.
The practice is continued by some today. Christians who complete the Pilgrim's Route to Nidaros Evangelical-Lutheran Cathedral in Trondheim receive a pilgrim certificate that is given by permission of the cathedral. Likewise, those who complete the pilgrimage to Vadstena Abbey Evangelical-Lutheran Church by journeying through Saint Birgitta Ways are bestowed with a pilgrim certificate after attending Mass there. Knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre receive a pilgrim badge when they travel to the Holy Land.
100% Positive response in the last 9 Years!!I will combine shipping on all orders!
Click "See other Items" to find more great deals on Ancient Greek & Roman coins!
The coin(s) in this listing are guaranteed to be authentic. I have been studying the authenticity and history of coins (both ancient and modern) for 15+ years, so you can be assured that the coin listed is authentic.If the price of a coin is < $20, it will go through shipping. If it's over $20, I will send it via USPS First-Class with better protection. If you purchase more than one item, please message me for combined shipping. Thanks!
