Hof der dingen - Faith in a soldier’s pocket: talisman of Holy Mary

It breaks a parent’s heart to see their child go off to war. Danger awaited them, and no one knew what fate would have in store for them. That’s why some soldiers liked to bring a small goodluck charm with them – talismans they hoped would protect them from harm. 

This miniature statue of Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, is one such charm — small enough to tuck into a soldier’s kit and accompany him on dangerous missions. This little talisman was kindly shared with us by Martine Declerck, who tells this story: “As a little girl, I got this from Uncle André — a Mary statue that soldiers carried with them during the war. ‘What am I supposed to do with this?’ I thought at the time. My mother told me to take very good care of it, which I did. I’m now 62 years old and still have it. I’m glad I kept it — out of respect for those who gave their lives for us.”