Christopher was able to protect Jesus from the dangerous river even when he bore the weight of the world. This is how St. Christopher became known as the Patron Saint of Travellers and why the pendants now represent protection, especially for travellers and sailors needing to make a safe passage through the sea.

Protect me today in all my travels along the road's way. Give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.

The child then confessed that he was the Christ Child, and that St Christopher had actually carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Initially, a St. Christopher medal was primarily for Catholics to represent their faith and to give themselves protection when they travel.

Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, including motorists, who sometimes hang a small image of him in their vehicle for luck. According to legend, he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across.