A metal detectorist working for heritage officials in Villmergen, Switzerlands has uncovered hundreds of religious medallions dating between the 17th and 20th centuries. The medallions are dedicated to a variety of saints and the Virgin Mary, and originated from sites all over Europe.
By far the largest number of medallions from Villmergen come from Einsiedeln Abbey and mostly show the miraculous image of Mary. Pilgrim badges from Ettal and Wesobrunn in southern Germany also found their way into the ground in Villmergen. Pilgrim badges from further afield come from Rome. They depict the four Holy Doors in Rome, which, otherwise always walled up, are only opened every 25 years during a so-called Jubilee Year. Those who make a pilgrimage to Rome and pass through the four doors receive an indulgence for their sins. The most recent medallions come from Lourdes, a Marian pilgrimage site still frequently visited today.
They could be worn as pendants or attached to a rosary to reinforce prayer and act as talismans to protect the wearer against evil, illness and bad luck. Some were hung in important locations — on cradles or near crops, for example — to protect them from disaster. The medallions of patron saints were applied to their areas of expertise to protect from specific dangers. One of the medallions features Saint Anastasius the Persian, who granted protection from headaches and madness.
Another medallion features the ever-popular Saint Anthony, patron saint of lost objects. Its owner placed a high value on Saint Anthony’s intercession, as is evident in the wear and tear. The hanging hole had to be was remade after the original one tore.
The medallions also served other purposes. They were mementos of special moments in life, such as confirmation or a pilgrimage. However, they were not only meant to remind their owners of personal experiences, but also to repeatedly bring the life stories of the saints to mind. Church officials therefore promoted the use of such pilgrim badges and distributed religious medallions and other gifts to the general population.
* This article was originally published here
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