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Religious medals represent the faith and belief of a person. Medals are usually metal tokens which feature a unique significance. Religious medals characterize the symbols and practices which reflect the belief of a particular religion. Religious medals are common in polytheistic beliefs like Hinduism. Catholics also give special importance to religious medals. The medals are also prevalent in other religious societies such as Buddhism. Religious medals are adopted from the ritual practices of tribes. The use of religious medals resembles the practice of using amulets to defend the evil practices. Some members of the society impart sacredness to these religious medals where as some others consider it only as a souvenir or a commemorative piece. Religious medals have become an integral part of the custom practices in certain societies.

Religious medals reflect the unique practices prevalent in a group. Religious medals of Hinduism usually feature the picture of the deity. The popular medals of Hinduism include Kali, Durga, Sarasvati, Parvati, Krishna, Siva, Ganesh, Hanuman, etc. Some medals feature the holy geometrical figures. Religious medals of Catholics feature the picture of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the patron saints. Some of the Catholic medals are issued as memorials of special events or places. The medals usually have the carvings such as "pray for us." Some of the religious medals feature the life and preaching of holy persons.

Religious medals are popular because of the belief that they can impart good fortune to the people who have them. The medals will help to assure the devotion to the god. The people who use the medals trust that the medals will protect them from evil spirits and help to keep the virtues of the life. Apart from the spiritual significance, religious medals have archaeological relevance. These religious, memorial pieces help to provide an idea about the past events. Some of the vintage medals are very costly and are treated as a valuable collection.

Religious medals are popular as jewelry also. They are sometimes custom made in different metals such as gold, silver, bronze, or copper. Religious medals are generally used as pendants. Some use it as bracelets, part of the rosary, etc. Necklaces in the pattern of religious medals are a recent trend in fashion.

Source: ezinearticles.com