My grandmother-in-law had this statue on her hutch in the living room for many years before she passed away. She sewed the dress herself and decorated him.
It is called the Infant Jesus of Prague. Not the original, of course, but a Catholic Highlandtown tradition none the less. Much like the statues of the Virgin Mary in every garden in Rosedale.
Personally, I am getting one next year for our new garden as well here in Illinois. In fact, I have been able to spot the Eastern European houses around here either by the flags or the very brightly colored flower beds with a Virgin Mary statue standing watch.
Her prayer book and special rosary for the prayer are in the background of this picture. Here is a link to the prayer, if you are interested.
A part of the tradition of having the Infant Jesus watching over your house is to place money underneath his feet. In this case, a quarter was placed under his robes many many years ago. The hope is that the infant Jesus will bless you if you honor him.
Have you ever seen one of these in a house or do you have one?
Na razie...
6 comments:
At my Grandparents' house they have a straw picture on the wall of the Virgin Mary. A constant reminder and watcher over us when we are there visiting. She sees all but tells nothing.
I've always wanted one to make clothes for. We had a picture of Matka Boska Czestochowska that I hope to inherit someday.
We don't have one in our home but there is a large one in our church. I did not know about the money part though. My parents have the Infant of Prague in their home.
What we have in our home is an extraordinary, fabulous icon from Poland of Our Lady of Czestochowa. She is on the wall right by our front door. Every member of our family knows that if there is a fire, that is to be grabbed on the way out!
My darling 98 year old Babcia has an Infant of Prague in her bedroom. Did not know about the money though. I'll need to check that out next time I visit.
That is really cool. I have never seen one of these but would love to.
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Thank you for posting these images. With your permission I am going to include the image in a paper I am writing. My great-grandmother kept one in her home. I do not believe it is in our family anymore. It was over 30 years ago, but I believe it looked very similar to this.
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