![]() The scallop shell became such a powerful symbol of the Camino de Santiago that it appears in many other places as well. At churches and other establishments that used to feed the pilgrims, the scallop shell scoop was the measure for food. They used it as a bowl to hold their food and drink during the pilgrimage. It was worn by medieval pilgrims attached to their hats or cloaks, it also had a practical purpose. In some regions, like Asturias, people consider that the longest line of the scallop is the one pointing towards Santiago.Īs already mentioned, the ‘Vieira’ reassures pilgrims they are on the right path since it is usually placed next to a yellow arrow, the most accurate ‘road sign’ on the Camino de Santiago.īut the shell is more than a symbol. It is considered that its lines represent the different routes pilgrims take to arrive at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. But the scallop shell has one more meaning, a metaphorical one. The legends are interesting and get you closer to the local culture. What is the Significance of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago? If you want to see a clear image of Venus in this position, you can have a look at Botticelli’s work of art called The Birth of Venus, displayed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. According to legend, the goddess had risen from the sea on a scallop shell, which became a symbol of fertility rituals practiced along the route. The starting point was the Temple of Venus, dedicated to the Roman goddess of love. In Roman Hispania, pagans used a route, known as the Janus Path, as a born-again ritual, ending in Finisterre. ![]() There are also many stories about the scallop shell dating back to pre-Christian times. James’ body was passing beneath a cliff, a knight fell from the top, and a miracle made the knight emerge from the sea covered in scallop shells. There is another legend saying that while the ship with St. The horse got into the water with her on its back, but, thanks to Divine Intervention, they were saved, emerging from the water covered in scallop shells. James’ body was destroyed in a storm, and his body was discovered on the shore completely undamaged because he was covered in scallop shells.Ī second myth tells us that the ship passed by a beach wedding, and it scared the horse ridden by the bride. James and the scallop shell? Well, this is explained by the myths and legends any pilgrim should know.Īccording to one story, the ship that was carrying St. His body was returned to Galicia by ship, and it is allegedly buried at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.īut what is the relation between St. ![]() ![]() When he returned to Jerusalem, King Herrod ordered his beheading, making him the first disciple to be martyred. James was one of Jesus’s disciples who traveled to Iberia, which is now known as Galicia, to convert pagans to Christianity. Saint James and the Myths of Scallop Shell But there is more to the scallop shell symbol, and there are many legends, myths, and stories that connect the ‘Vieira’ and Saint James Way. The ‘Vieira,’ as it is called in Galician and Spanish, helps pilgrims on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. But you will see them on walls, churches, signposts, on pilgrims’ backpacks, and on their bodies as tattoos or at their necks in the form of necklaces. They are used today, together with the yellow arrows, to guide the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. What is the Significance of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago?.Saint James and the Myths of Scallop Shell.
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