There are many established marked routes for pilgrims to follow, the French Way and the Portuguese way are a couple of them. Traditionally though, the pilgrimage was made from one's own home straight to Santiago de Compostela. So though we are flying into Portugal and driving up to Saria to "officially" begin our walk, the true pilgrimage begins right where we are, physically, literally, and spiritually. Though we do not leave for another week (so soon!) My journey has already begun in preparing my heart, mind, and body for this trip. Goodness, just trying to pack all the right things is an adventure in itself! :) I've got a lot of big questions I'm looking forward finding the answers to while on this trip.
-Taylor
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
La Concha
Why are we called the Conch Compadres? (aside from the cute alliteration of course ;p )
As one walks along the Way of St. James, one will spot a repeated image on the doors of cafes and bars and alburgues. A scallop shell (concha in spanish). This is the symbol of the pilgrims of the Camino.
There are a few legends I have read about the sea shell's significance to the pilgrims. Some say that a prince made the journey by horse to pray at the tomb of St. James and when he got there his horse was attacked by a snake. It bolted towards the see and threw the prince into the water. The prince's life was at the mercy of St. James. Miraculously, the prince survived and rose from the water covered in scallop shells. Ever since then, the shell has been a symbol of the pilgrims.
I have heard other versions that mention a wedding in a similar story with a horse and rider both going into the sea and returning covered in shells.
A more religious significance of the scallop shell is a symbol of good works. The design on the shell looks like outspread fingers on a hand doing a good deed and reaching out to people. As the stores say, those who do good work have the dignity to persevere and bear the yoke of the Lord, submitting to his righteous commands. The scallop shell can represent the hospitality of the hosts at the alburgues and the encouragement they give to the pilgrims along the way.
Another reason for the significance of the shell is proof that the pilgrim went all the way to the coast of Cape Finisterre, once believed to be the westernmost end of the world. Cape Finisterre is another 90 kilometers west of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Some walk that distance but there are buses that take the route as well.
How would you feel to stand at the very westernmost edge of the earth? I think this journey will be a reflective one indeed.
-Taylor
As one walks along the Way of St. James, one will spot a repeated image on the doors of cafes and bars and alburgues. A scallop shell (concha in spanish). This is the symbol of the pilgrims of the Camino.
There are a few legends I have read about the sea shell's significance to the pilgrims. Some say that a prince made the journey by horse to pray at the tomb of St. James and when he got there his horse was attacked by a snake. It bolted towards the see and threw the prince into the water. The prince's life was at the mercy of St. James. Miraculously, the prince survived and rose from the water covered in scallop shells. Ever since then, the shell has been a symbol of the pilgrims.
I have heard other versions that mention a wedding in a similar story with a horse and rider both going into the sea and returning covered in shells.
A more religious significance of the scallop shell is a symbol of good works. The design on the shell looks like outspread fingers on a hand doing a good deed and reaching out to people. As the stores say, those who do good work have the dignity to persevere and bear the yoke of the Lord, submitting to his righteous commands. The scallop shell can represent the hospitality of the hosts at the alburgues and the encouragement they give to the pilgrims along the way.
Another reason for the significance of the shell is proof that the pilgrim went all the way to the coast of Cape Finisterre, once believed to be the westernmost end of the world. Cape Finisterre is another 90 kilometers west of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Some walk that distance but there are buses that take the route as well.
How would you feel to stand at the very westernmost edge of the earth? I think this journey will be a reflective one indeed.
Motivation
So what is this trip to Spain really all about?
My father, my boyfriend, and I have to opportunity to experience a part of one of the last religious pilgrimages for the Christian faith. The story of El Camino de Santiago or The Way of Saint James is that the remains of Saint James were carried by boat from Jerusalem to the northern coast of Spain. His bones were buried there and a Cathedral was erected in his honor. This is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end of the walk.
At the Cathedral each pilgrim shows their Pilgrim's Credential as proof that they did not cheat by driving, but that they actually made the pilgrimage on foot. The Pilgrim's Credential is a document similar to a passport that you carry with you all along the trail. At every alburgues (hostel) in which you spend the night, as well as any cafes or bars along the way, there will be a stamp to add to your credential. you must collect these stamps or you will not be eligible to receive La Compostela, a diploma awarded to pilgrims by the Catholic church. If you made the pilgrimage for religious reasons, you are entitled to receiving this Latin inscribed diploma. (You will receive a diploma of a different color that is not written in latin if you state a different reason for your pilgrimage.)
The trip presents the opportunity for you to have some time away from the bustle of the busy modern world. Hopefully after walking this ancient route I will return to my life with a new found sense of peace and tranquility. This trip isn't just about the adventure; it's the opportunity to find myself.
-Taylor
My father, my boyfriend, and I have to opportunity to experience a part of one of the last religious pilgrimages for the Christian faith. The story of El Camino de Santiago or The Way of Saint James is that the remains of Saint James were carried by boat from Jerusalem to the northern coast of Spain. His bones were buried there and a Cathedral was erected in his honor. This is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end of the walk.
At the Cathedral each pilgrim shows their Pilgrim's Credential as proof that they did not cheat by driving, but that they actually made the pilgrimage on foot. The Pilgrim's Credential is a document similar to a passport that you carry with you all along the trail. At every alburgues (hostel) in which you spend the night, as well as any cafes or bars along the way, there will be a stamp to add to your credential. you must collect these stamps or you will not be eligible to receive La Compostela, a diploma awarded to pilgrims by the Catholic church. If you made the pilgrimage for religious reasons, you are entitled to receiving this Latin inscribed diploma. (You will receive a diploma of a different color that is not written in latin if you state a different reason for your pilgrimage.)
The trip presents the opportunity for you to have some time away from the bustle of the busy modern world. Hopefully after walking this ancient route I will return to my life with a new found sense of peace and tranquility. This trip isn't just about the adventure; it's the opportunity to find myself.
-Taylor
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Trip
My girlfriends dad (Jerry) had been planning a trip to Spain for some time when my girlfriend (Taylor) and I (Andrew) decided that we wanted to tag along. This blog was created in order to illustrate our trip, to discuss it and other adventures, and to provide advice about making a trip of your own.
This blog is very much a work in progress. So be patient!
-Andrew
This blog is very much a work in progress. So be patient!
-Andrew
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