Object ID
1994.14.3C
Object Name
Pendant, Religious
Alternative Name
Marterika
Material
Silk
Object Entities
Chulos, Athena (collected by)
Chulos, Athena (owned by)
Access Points
Object Description
Baptismal favor (marterika) made of two silk ribbons joined together: one lists name of godparent; the other the name, birthdate, and baptismal date of the child. Cross at joining area reads "nativity." The ribbons are white and blue, typically indicating that it was a boy who was baptized. "John A. Ntanos Godson - Born on July 15, 1936 - Baptized on December 5, 1937" (White ribbon) "Panagiotis D. Ntanos Chicago, Ill." (Blue ribbon)
Origin
Martyrika is Greek for "a sign of witnessing". These are small decorative icons or crosses passed out to the guests who witness an Orthodox Baptism.

Martyrika are small religious lapel ribbons given out at the end of a baptismal ceremony as well as at weddings and special parties. For baptisms, they are worn by the guests as proof of witnessing the baptism - and for wedding and special events, they are worn in special honor and celebration of the occasion. The traditional pin is made of white, ivory, pink or blue ribbon and features a religious center...usually a tiny cross or icon.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Pendant, Religious, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/6198. Accessed 04/25/24.