In the story, Ultima gives Antonio her scapular.
A scapular was originally worn by priests and monks. It consists of two pieces of woolen cloth joined together by narrow strips of cloth. One piece is worn in the front, and the other piece goes in the back.
Modern worshippers wear smaller scapulars. These scapulars consist of smaller squares of woolen cloth joined by very thin, connecting strips. From the description in the text, this is likely the type of scapular Ultima bequeaths to Antonio.
Ultima tells Antonio that he will likely receive his own scapular when he participates in his first Communion. However, she wants Antonio to have hers so that he will not be without protection from evil. Ultima's scapular is a unique one. It does not have religious images on the cloth, and her scapular holds a small pouch of mixed herbs. Ultima promises that the "helpful herbs" will keep Antonio safe. She also asks Antonio not to tell anyone about her gift.
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