| Nino de Atocha
Patron
Saint of Prisoners,
Those in Danger, Travelers "The
image of el Niño de Atocha originated at the time of the Moorish invasion
of the town of Atocha, Spain. The legend tells that the Moors' prevented anyone
but children from visiting the Christians in prison. The families of the prisoners
prayed every day knowing there was not enough food or water to feed them. One
day a child came dressed as a pilgrim carrying a staff, a basket and a gourd of
water. The prisoners were fed, but the basket and the gourd remained full. The
Child is represented wearing a brimmed hat with a plume and a robe or cape. In
his left hand he carries a pilgrim's staff, a gourd, a pair of shackles, and a
few spears of wheat. In his right hand he holds a basket which generally contains
flowers or bread. He is usually shown seated. The
Child of Atocha, believed to be the Child Jesus, is the patron saint of prisoners.
He also protects travelers and rescues people in danger." | 
15mm
diameter .6 inches
