Ever since religion has been around, worshippers have prized objects of great significance within their religions, whether it’s artifacts, mythical symbols, or depictions of holy figures. While most of these religious relics are a marvel to witness and are viewed by people from around the world, others are just bizarre. From breast milk to a grilled cheese sandwich and even a holy prepuce, check out these six uncommon religious relics and their legends.
6. Venus of Hohle Fels
Starting our list of uncommon religious relics is the Venus of Hohle Fels. Venus statues and figurines have always been an iconic relic, symbolizing fertility and health. This particular figurine is one of the strangest Venus relics, unearthed in Germany and dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The figurine highlights the large breasts, pregnant belly, and genitals of the female form, and could be a symbol of health, prosperity, and a good life.
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5. Breast Milk of the Virgin Mary
Fifth on our list of uncommon religious relics is the breast milk of the Virgin Mary. While “The Nursing Madonna,” pictured above, is usually the symbol of Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus, there is also a relic dedicated to her breast milk. Located in the Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady in Bethlehem, it is said that the Virgin Mary found refuge in the grotto, and when breastfeeding, a drop of her milk fell onto the floor and turned the stone white. Worshippers who are struggling with fertility frequently visit this site.
4. Saint Clare’s Fingernails & Hair
Next on our list of uncommon religious relics is Saint Clare‘s fingernails and hair. While it may seem gross, this is absolutely real. Saint Clare was known for her long, beautiful hair, living in Assisi among the famous St. Francis. To devote herself fully to God, Saint Clare wanted to get rid of her vanity and cut her hair. The hair and fingernails were collected by an unknown follower and can be seen in the Church of St. Clare’s in Assisi.
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3. Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese
Rounding out the top three uncommon religious relics is the Virgin Mary grilled cheese. Not all religious relics have to come from ancient history, and this is proof that anything can become a relic. A woman kept the sandwich for 10 years before trying to sell it. The bread bears the alleged image of the Virgin Mary, with the dark crust forming a pattern that resembles a female face. The sandwich is now owned by the online casino, the Golden Palace, which bought the relic for $28,000.
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2. Petrified Footprint of Muhammad
Second on our list of uncommon religious relics is the petrified footprint of Muhammad. The founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, is an immensely praised figure in the religious world. While he has many religious relics associated with him, one stands out: Muhammad’s petrified footprint. Some Muslims believe that wherever the Prophet stepped, his left foot made an impression that remained fixed in place. Notable locations to see these footprints include the mausoleum of Qaitbey in Cairo, or in the Mosque of the Footprint in Qadam.
1. Holy Prepuce of Jesus Christ
Last but not least on our list of uncommon religious relics is the Holy Prepuce of Jesus Christ. By far one of the most bizarre items on this list, the relic is also known as the Holy Foreskin and joins many other strange Jesus Christ relics. The relic originates from the circumcision of Christ and was an extremely important religious item during the early periods of Christianity. Numerous healing powers have been attributed to the relic, which has been claimed by several churches in Europe.
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