My friend went to Sante Fe and brought me a souvenir of a red hand decorated with Milagros. Milagros are little handmade metal charms that can be carried as they are, put on jewelry or affixed to wood, typically a crucifix or hand, as well as attached to altars and sacred objects. Milagro in English is “miracle” or “surprise” and there’s a religious aspect as sometimes it is used to show gratitude to a saint for a favor. Milagros are used as signs of healing, good health or protection. The charms depict praying people, body parts, animals, flowers, religious icons and other objects. Each shape can be interpreted in whatever way the receiver would like — whether a literal or symbolic meaning. The red hand holding the Milagro charms symbolizes friendship. Such a thoughtful gift that’s a sign of true friendship from a treasured friend.