Cache Details: The container is a medium-large lock and lock, hidden in a tree. Happy Caching!
Cache Background: This cache was placed in memory of “Oma” and her love of holy cards as well as holy trinkets/”swag.”
In the Christian tradition, holy cards or prayer cards are small, devotional pictures inspired by stunning paintings of Jesus and the saints. The history of these "little holy pictures" goes back to the 1400's in Europe. The earliest dated European wood block print is a picture of Saint Christopher, printed in 1423. The pious activity of creating handmade devotional cards - in France known as dévotesdentelles, and in German lands, Andachtsbilden — was exceptionally popular back to the fourteenth century. These cards were portable woodcut prints that provided those who could not afford custom artwork a way to have an image of their patron saint. In those times, it was considered very important to have an image of one’s patron saint. As time passed, a new type of holy card became popular. These holy cards were typically handmade with black ink-etched portraits on parchment and were often decorated around the edge with a bit of lace or ribbon, or stuck onto a backing of lace. Our modern day valentines are descendants of these elegant little cards.
Holy cards have a variety of different uses today. One of the most common is to hand them out at funerals, first sacraments, and weddings. A great thing about a holy card is that it is not only a lovely keepsake or piece of art, but typically is printed with a prayer on the back. You can keep a holy card with a prayer to your patron saint or for a particular intention in the car, tucked in a wallet, by your bed, or at the office to easily pick up and pray whether before going to sleep or as you start your morning commute. Collecting holy cards can be a great way to learn new prayers and also collect beautiful yet inexpensive artwork.
- http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/holy-cards-an-enduring-tradition/article/140/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/holy%20card,%20prayer%20card
- http://www.catholic-forum.com/members/bjdevitt/history.htm