A printed charm known as the Letter of Jesus Christ protects the bearer from harm and ensures safe childbirth.

The Letter of Jesus Christ: A Protective Print Charm

Details

The Letter of Jesus Christ is a printed or handwritten religious document believed to possess divine protective powers. Often reproduced and distributed in churches or by traveling peddlers, the letter typically contained a narrative attributed to Jesus or other holy figures. Owners would carry or display the letter in their home, under their pillow, or by the bedside of women giving birth. It was frequently folded into a small parchment and worn around the neck as an amulet. The charm claimed to shield its possessor from physical injury, accidents, or death in war, and was especially promoted for its supposed role in ensuring a safe delivery during childbirth. Reciting or merely possessing the letter was thought sufficient to invoke divine blessings and protection. Its popularity spread through visually compelling woodblock prints, often featuring crosses and other Christian symbols that increased its apparent sanctity.

Historical Context

The Letter of Jesus Christ charm emerged during the Middle Ages, particularly in parts of Catholic Europe from the 14th to 17th centuries. The practice likely developed from a blending of apocryphal Christian texts, relic veneration, and a desire for accessible protection in a time of high infant and maternal mortality. The superstition drew inspiration from a legendary letter said to be written by Jesus and found near Jerusalem, which was claimed to bring blessings and protect readers from harm. Another related legend was the Letter of Lentulus, a fictitious Latin account describing Jesus’s appearance, often appended to the charm. These letters were not sanctioned by the Church but gained popularity among the laity for their promise of tangible divine intercession. Their widespread appeal stemmed from the scarcity of medical care, religious literacy, and the human desire for reassurance in times of danger.

Modern Relevance

While not commonly practiced today in its original form, echoes of the Letter of Jesus Christ persist in some folk Catholic communities. Reproductions of the text are found in devotional books or spiritual supply stores catering to traditional or syncretic Christian practices. In countries like the Philippines and parts of Latin America, prayer scrolls and protective prayers—often containing similar promises—are still used in homes or distributed at religious gatherings. Social media groups focusing on Christian mysticism or traditional medicine sometimes share digital versions of the letter, listing its ‘spiritual benefits.’ Outside of overt belief, the letter is occasionally studied by folklorists and historians as an example of medieval supernatural literature. Overall, the charm’s influence has waned, but it remains a cultural relic within religious and heritage contexts.

Sources

Harvey, Susan Ashbrook. ‘Women and Miracle Stories: A Pattern in Byzantine Hagiography.’ Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 44, 1990.

Quick Facts

Related Superstitions

A baby’s future career or fate is predicted by the first object they select during a ceremonial setup.

In several Asian and Eastern European cultures, a traditional ceremony is held for babies usually around their first birthday. Known

Why Superstitions Persist in Modern Times

Despite widespread access to scientific knowledge and rational frameworks, superstitions continue to influence everyday behavior across cultures and demographics. From