Antiques rich in history…

Among the many lovely pieces we have gathered, there is one with a special story to share:

The “Coroa” (Crown) commemorates Saint Queen Isabel and the feast of the Holy Spirit. Princess Elizabeth (Isabel) of Aragon, became the queen of King Dinis of Portugal. She was known for her religious devotion, compassion and service to the poor. One story tells how after the king, displeased with her mingling with the common poor, demanded to see what she had concealed under her cloak as she went out to help the hungry. She is said to have whispered a quick prayer and upon throwing open her cloak instead of the hidden bread, red roses tumbled out. She is depicted in relics with a mantle of flowers.

During her reign there was a terrible famine in Portugal. The Queen had depleted all of her resources helping her people and it is told that at Mass she promised the Holy Spirit, “I will give my crown to the church if you will send me a miracle, so my people will be relieved of their hunger.” After she left the church, she saw ships coming into the harbor loaded with wheat and corn! For 700 years the Portuguese people have celebrated and honored this event in the “Festa do Espirito Santo” or Feast of the Holy Spirit

The Crown, “Coroa,” consists of three pieces, the Scepter, Plate and Crown. The Scepter is accented with a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit.The Plate serves as a stand for the Crown and represents the people. The Crown has a double significance… first, it represents the supreme dominion of the Holy Spirit and secondly the royalty of the Queen.