Filaxta/Amulets
Filakto is a Greek word referring to something that keeps you safe by chasing away the evil. These particular filakta - or amulets - are made in monasteries on the island of Tinos.
They may contain either:
† flower petals from the Epitaphios carried on Holy Friday night
† cotton wool with oil and myrrh from church
† pieces of olive branch or basil that have been used by a priest in some ceremony
† dirt from the grave of a Saint
The general rule is that the contents must be something from holy ground or something that has been blessed. Any one item, or a combination, is sewn into this very small sachet which has been adorned with beads in the sign of the Cross.
They are commonly seen pinned to the clothes of young babies who have yet to be baptised. However, many adults wear them or carry them also.
They may contain either:
† flower petals from the Epitaphios carried on Holy Friday night
† cotton wool with oil and myrrh from church
† pieces of olive branch or basil that have been used by a priest in some ceremony
† dirt from the grave of a Saint
The general rule is that the contents must be something from holy ground or something that has been blessed. Any one item, or a combination, is sewn into this very small sachet which has been adorned with beads in the sign of the Cross.
They are commonly seen pinned to the clothes of young babies who have yet to be baptised. However, many adults wear them or carry them also.
