The Scallop Shell and the Camino de Santiago
As we traveled through Spain and Portugal, the historical bronze scalloped shell was always prevalent in signaling the way to the Way of St. James Pilgrimage route. If we looked closely, we would find the emblem embedded in sidewalks, buildings and fountains leading the way to Santiago de Compostela.
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In Bordeaux, France, we discovered the same historical markers throughout the city, guiding pilgrims on their journey to reach Le Chemin de St. Jacques de Compostelle - in northwestern Spain. |
This religious icon marker lay throughout the city; leading the course past Saint Pierre and Place Pey-Berland onto Saint Andre Cathedral and far beyond - reaching the final destination in the Iberian Peninsula and the tomb of St. James. Over the centuries, the scallop shell has taken on religious and metaphorical symbols: even if its significance may actually be the desire of modern day travelers to wear as a badge of honor on their faithful journey.
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