Manic for Medals

Spring, not necessarily springy, but that time of the year again. First communion time. Catholic–or not so catholic- families immerse themselves in the ceremony of giving their 8-10 year olds the sacrament of the first communion. Or rather, they’ve sent them to church classes for a few years so that they can qualify to receive it for the first time. The wafer, you know. With all the accompanying bells and whistles. Como Dios manda. The dress, the garland, the veil and the little gold medal that most every little girl –and boy, sans dress of course- removes when they reach adolescence.

Primera comunión, ain't that sweet?

Another family affair, another big meal. And a generous present for the overexcited child. I think that nowadays we have all gone way too modern, as the classic gold medallion, with the face of Jesus on the one side and the appropriate Our Lady (depending on the local representation of the Virgin Mary) 

on the other, is on the decline. You know what?  I believe we should claim it back!

It is a sentimental gift rooted in the most traditional beliefs, and what could be more apropos for la primera comunión?  A personalized jewel, the coin could bear the child’s initials, or the chosen Lady could be the namesake of the little girl. Mine had a long chain of fine gold links and it made a very specific sound when I moved. I could hang other charms, a cross surely, from it so it always made an even sweeter clinking.

Since the era of Sofia Loren in Marriage Italian-Style to Madonna, we have seen a revival of religious accessories in the fashion world. Our Lady of Bay City, Michigan-always first in setting the trend-wore a cross for her album covers Like a Virgin and Like a Prayer back in the 80s. Do you suppose that she rescued it from her sweet  “Little Nanni” Ciccone years? Likely, with that Italian blood running through her veins. Carrie Bradshaw wore a few similar creations, counting the ghetto-inspired version among her best fashion successes. Dolce & Gabbana’s curvy Mediterranean women wear them in most of their collections. The sorely missed Christian Lacroix knew how to decorate his mind-blowing haute couture with gold medals too. Sea, sun and Savior: the Mediterranean cocktail.

Raimunda. "Volver"

Carrie Bradshaw. "Sex and the City"

Monica Belluci. "Malena"

La Loren, pedazo mujer. "Marriage Italian-Style"

So if you come across a swarthy-skinned adult donning a gold chain with medallion, you now know from where it likely comes. Having reached and passed those embarrassing adolescent years, they chose to remain tagged (good for them, they are probably very self confident people) or they read this blog and agree with moi!