Understanding the symbols of The Way of St. James will make you understand more about the origins and history of the pilgrimage route. The symbols has been developed aover centuries, some with an historic meaning, other with metaphorical and emotional significance. Here is a list of some of the most important symbols that you will discover along your journey.
- The Scallop Shell. The most well known symbol of The Way, used as a recipient for drinking water back in the past, it finds its origins in the Calixtinus Codex where it is reflected that the "vieira" was one of the acreditations the pilgrims got at the end of their pilgrimage. Nowadays, is still one of the most recognisable symbols and walkers use it to make visible is condition of pilgrims.
- The Cross of St. James. This latin-style cross mixed the shape of a sword at the bottom and the Fleur-de-lys at the top. The cross is dated from the Crussades times, where the crussaders soldiers carried them and place them on the ground to pray.
- The Pilgrim's passport. A document that shows the pilgrim has finished the route. It is like a passport with space to place the different stamps the pilgrims will collect along the journet.
- The Compostela. The definitive document that approves the journey was accomplished. Pilgrims need to have travelled a minimum of 100 km on foot and 200 km by bicycle.
- The gourd "calabaza" and the hat. In the past, this two items where the essential packing of the pilgrim. The travellers carry water in their gourd, and keep their heaad and face protected from the spanish sun with a wide hat.
Keep reeding our next post to know about other symbols!
And as always, we would be glad if you contact us to start preparing your journey.
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