Medieval brooch "Pelican feeding its young"
Filigree medieval brooch inspired by a pilgrim badge from the early 15th century.
The medieval brooch depicts a pelican feeding its young in a nest, a medieval symbol of Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for mankind.
The original badge is probably not a badge of a particular pilgrimage site, but rather an aid to religious devotion.
- Like the historical pilgrim badge, the brooch has a diameter of 3.3 cm.
- The original is now in the collection of the Museum of London.
There is a solid needle on the reverse which is suitable for thicker fabrics, making it ideal for medieval clothing.
The pelican was a sign of piety in the Middle Ages. Pelicans were believed to feed their young by tearing the flesh from their own breasts and feeding them with their own blood.
For this reason, the pelican became a symbol of Christ, who shed his blood for the sins of mankind. The pelican also symbolized the blood of Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist.
