Discovery Paris: ex-voto at Sacré-Cœur

{image via The Divine Home by Peter Vitale}

These amazing silver and jeweled hearts have been the apple of my eye at many antique shows but, I have to confess, I don't know much about them. When we visited Sacré-Cœur in Montmarte {the highest point in the city of Paris}, we not only enjoyed panoramic views of Paris after climbing the stairs to the top, we also visited the crypt below the church. That's where we discovered literally thousands of these intricately detailed ex-votos, amassed in alters, left as offerings of fulfillment and thanks.

{photo via http://verbenanestedtreasures.blogspot.com/}

An ex-voto is a votive offering to a saint or divinity. It is given in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion. Ex-votos are placed in a church or chapel where the worshipper seeks grace or wishes to give thanks. The destinations of pilgrimages often include shrines decorated with ex-votos. Montmarte was the site of one such pilgrimage and comes with a long and complicated history of the Catholic Church in France. I actually find the history quiet interesting so if anyone else wants to learn more click here.

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