St. Christopher meaning Christ-bearer in Greek, was a real man born in 3rd Century Holy Land. But what does St Christopher represent? What does St Christopher protect you from? What is the Saint Christopher gift for travellers?
Saint Christopher is one of the most popular saints in modern times. According to legend, St Christopher was a giant of a man of over 7 feet tall who said he wanted to serve “the greatest king there ever was”. Ultimately this led him to Christianity and he decided to work in the service of Jesus Christ. Because of his size and strength Christopher ended up carrying out this task by helping poor and weak people across a dangerous river.
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According to the legend, when Christopher had performed this service for some time, a small child asked him to take him across the river one night. The river, near Lycia in Asia Minor became swollen during the crossing and the child grew heavier and heavier, so much so that Christopher could scarcely carry him and found himself in great difficulty. When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: “You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy as you on my shoulders.” The child replied: “You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work.” He told Christopher to plant his staff (a palm tree) in the ground and the child then departed. The next day the tree blossomed and bore dates.
So what does the St Christopher represent?
After his death as a martyr to Christianity, Christopher was beatified and is nowadays known as the patron Saint of all travellers and, because he has been entrusted to protect travellers, the expression “St Christopher protect me” or “Saint Christopher protect us” appears on many jewellery items like St. Christopher pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. A Saint Christopher lucky charm is a common keepsake and can be seen hanging is cars too. But perhaps the commonest occurrence of the St Christopher charm is on a safe travel bracelet or necklace. The Saint Christopher symbol is also increasingly common on tattoos and is, to this day, a great symbol for travellers.
(See some ♥ SAFE TRAVEL GIFTS / JEWELLERY in our online shop, especially Christian / Religious gift for travellers.)
But from what does St Christopher protect you?
Some say, the Saint Christopher necklace for example, is just a piece of metal – just a symbol of a man, a good man, yes, but just a man. So what was is it about this man that has led so many people to believe he would help them to ward off evil and protect them from misfortunes such as accidents, poor health, robberies and violence – especially when travelling. For the most part, it is faith – a belief in the safety and security that will result from an association with a man (later-on made a Saint) that was, if you want, good or holy enough to be able to protect Christ Himself.
Wearing a St Christopher charm is usually a request for his blessing and for good luck.
So why do surfers wear a St Christopher charm necklace or bracelet?
Because, apart from protection in what can sometimes be a dangerous situation, an element of good luck is needed when surfing the waves. But, not only is a St Christopher charm bracelet or necklace worn by surfers, but people also hang him on the mirrors of their cars and on keyrings as a keepsake. Miniature statues are frequently displayed on the dashboards of cars. In fact, St Christopher is often invoked for good luck in a driving test.
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St. Christopher is also famous for the protection he provides to soldiers. Therefore it appears that anyone in danger could benefit from a St Christopher lucky charm. He is also popular amongst athletes, mariners and ferrymen, as well as being the patron Saint of many cities.
Here is a common prayer to St. Christopher while travelling – the so-called Saint Christopher’s Protection Prayer:
Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way. Give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.
In France they say: “Regarde St Christophe et va-t-en rassuré” (“Look at St Christopher and go on reassured”, sometimes translated as “Behold St Christopher and go your way in safety”.) In Spain, they say: “Si en San Cristóbal confías, de accidente no morirás” (“If you trust St. Christopher, you won’t die in an accident”).
What is the meaning of St Christopher necklace, bracelet ot other jewellery?
So a Saint Christopher symbol makes an ideal gift to wish your loved-ones safety during their daily lives . . especially whilst they travel, and to send them your love whilst they are away – a present with real meaning. It would be ideal for someone going on a difficult journey, or a gap year, a long vacation or a business trip. In addition to any value that the Saint Christopher charm symbol has in itself, or the religious faith that it might represent, a St. Christopher lucky charm can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling, and this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home: The ideal safe travel gift.
See some ♥ St Christopher gift ideas in our good luck gift shop store including a St Christopher charm bracelet for safe travel.
Saint Christopher protect us: To the owner of this ancient symbol charm: May faith, health, prosperity and belief accompany you on the journey of your life.
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