The symbol of the Pilgrim to Santiago is the Scallop shell of which many can be found on the coast of Galicia and it is actually a symbol of the Pilgrimage (and has become a symbol of other Christian Pilgrimages too) partly because you could find the shell easily there and so could go back home and show it off as proof that you had done the Pilgrimage. It has also been included in carvings in some Churches.
2. After James died his body was mysteriously taken by a ship (sometimes this is said to be a ship made of stone) that had no crew back to Spain so that he could be buried there in the area we now call Santiago. As this ship came close to the shore a wedding was happening and the groom was riding a horse which, when it saw the ship coming in, was scared and ran over the cliffs and into the sea. Through a miracle they both came out of the water alive but were covered in scallops.
The Pilgrimage to Jerusalem has as its symbol the palm branch. These were the symbol of victory and triumph of faith (and were lain in front of Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in what is now remembered on Palm Sunday). Palm branches are often also called palms of Jericho or Jerusalem fathers and they were recognised in mediaeval times as showing that the Pilgrim had been to Jerusalem.
Pilgrims to Rome carry the keys of Saint Peter as their symbol (as they are heading to his tomb in Rome).
Image from http://www.gocek.org/christiansymbols/?search=
Scallops also serve a practical purpose for medieval pilgrims as it is the correct size for getting water to drink or to use as a small bowl to eat their food from.
There are also two stories about this shell which both involve the story that James did some preaching in Spain after Jesus had died and why the shell became so important:
1.After James was killed his disciples took him to be buried at the place that we now call Santiago but not far from Spain’s coast a heavy storm hit the ship and his body was lost in the ocean. Some time later the body of Saint James was washed ashore undamaged but it was covered in scallop shells.2. After James died his body was mysteriously taken by a ship (sometimes this is said to be a ship made of stone) that had no crew back to Spain so that he could be buried there in the area we now call Santiago. As this ship came close to the shore a wedding was happening and the groom was riding a horse which, when it saw the ship coming in, was scared and ran over the cliffs and into the sea. Through a miracle they both came out of the water alive but were covered in scallops.
The Pilgrimage to Jerusalem has as its symbol the palm branch. These were the symbol of victory and triumph of faith (and were lain in front of Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in what is now remembered on Palm Sunday). Palm branches are often also called palms of Jericho or Jerusalem fathers and they were recognised in mediaeval times as showing that the Pilgrim had been to Jerusalem.
Pilgrim Palm branch badge (image from The Met)
Pilgrims to Rome carry the keys of Saint Peter as their symbol (as they are heading to his tomb in Rome).
Image from http://www.gocek.org/christiansymbols/?search=
The C.Primitivo has so far been my most enjoyable Camino experience. Now 2,500kms (6 routes). Though in the beginning (from Ribadesella start) it looked like it maybe the worst experience. Suffering badly blistered feet, due to too heavy a backpack (16kg....reduced to 11kg after 3 days) and wearing sports sandals whilst climbing the wet, muddy, grit covered trails up from the coast - I needed 3 days rest in Oviedo, patched up with Leukatape and oxide cream. Though a spectacular view of the snow capped Picos Europa was compensation enough. A scary mugging attempt before Oviedo (solo walker) was not enough to deter my resolve either. In all Oviedo and Lugo (now my fave Camino city ( spectacular ancient city wall, 10-15m high x 10m wide built by The Romans) plus the mountain trails, together with the remoteness, lack of the Camino Touristas and small villages en route created an idealic environ. Not for the faint hearted or those seeking luxury or ease of trail. But for hard-core hikers, well prepared for snow, sleet and sunshine en route - it's a must. Added value, the beauty and culture of Asturias. Route walked solo, Easter time, 2019. Buen Camino.
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