The “Souvenir” Was Born Out of Superstition

23 Jul The “Souvenir” Was Born Out of Superstition

Buying mementos is part of every trip, but did you know souvenirs started out as protective amulets? In ancient times, pilgrims visiting sacred sites like Jerusalem or Santiago de Compostela often took objects that had touched relics or holy places. 

It was believed these would protect them from illness and misfortune. Later, in the 19th century, during the European Grand Tour trend, aristocratic travelers began bringing back small sculptures, postcards, and miniatures as proof of their “cultural education.” 

From there, it evolved into what we know today: magnets, t-shirts, spoons, and keychains. A simple gesture that went from having a spiritual meaning to becoming a way of saying “I was here.”