Anyone know why Spanish people put water bottles outside their front door?

[JustJack]

I asked a few people while I was walking, but no one seemed to know. Most hadn’t even noticed. But in some towns/villages it seemed about half the houses had water bottles sitting outside their front door.

I know I could probably Google it and get the answer, but that seems too easy…

 

[Former member 108241]

I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

That is correct.

 

[C clearly]

See this thread, where the second post has a link to another older thread.

 

[thejoker]

I asked a few people while I was walking, but no one seemed to know. Most hadn’t even noticed. But in some towns/villages it seemed about half the houses had water bottles sitting outside their front door.

I know I could probably Google it and get the answer, but that seems too easy…

I love the local custom of hanging fresh, delicious bread on doors too

 

[OZAJ]

Water bottles on lawns here in Oz, though you don't see it as often as in the past.

 

[dick bird]

Water bottles on lawns here in Oz, though you don't see it as often as in the past.

Because it doesn´t work.

 

[Someday]

Just goes to show you. Did my first Camino in April. One pilgrim fountain was near a local free-flowing water source from a hill where a guy was filling up loads of plastic bottles. He said the water was wonderful. (Being the cautious sort, I got my water from the fountain.)

When I saw empty bottles on front stoops, I figured they were there for guys like him to deliver water.

 

[Camembert]

In California nearby L.A. I saw half filled bottles with water inside the houses.
It was for warning the persons for earthshocks and earthquakes . As long as there is nothing wrong the watersurface stands still. If the surface is moving , get out of your house asap .

 

[Camembert]

Just goes to show you. Did my first Camino in April. One pilgrim fountain was near a local free-flowing water source from a hill where a guy was filling up loads of plastic bottles. He said the water was wonderful. (Being the cautious sort, I got my water from the fountain.)

When I saw empty bottles on front stoops, I figured they were there for guys like him to deliver water.

Lots of people in Portugal fill bottles up at local fountains
As a hospitaleiro at an albergue I went to the next fountain about 100 yards away with a wheelbarrel to fill up as many as empty bottles as possible and many times
The water from the fountain is far better than the water supplied by the watercompany .

 

[Icacos]

I love the local custom of hanging fresh, delicious bread on doors too

Me too. So thoughtful of the home owners!

 

[JustJack]

Ok so it seems the consensus is that it stops dogs from peeing there. It doesn’t, but I guess I’ll have to accept that as the reason for them leaving the bottles there. Let’s just call it a superstition then.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Ok so it seems the consensus is that it stops dogs from peeing there. It doesn’t, but I guess I’ll have to accept that as the reason for them leaving the bottles there. Let’s just call it a superstition then.

I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.

 

[SabsP]

¿Hay botellas en tu portal?

En plena primavera, en mi barrio vuelven a aparecer, a ambos lados de los portales, sendas botellas de plástico llenas de agua

www.lavozdegalicia.es

¿Realmente las botellas de agua espantan las meadas de los perros?

Es habitual verlas en los portales, situadas estratégicamente para, dicen, impedir que los canes se alivien o marquen el territorio. ¿Pero sirve para algo?

www.laregion.es

And true : " ¿Pero realmente funcionan? "

 

[Camembert]

I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.

If you ever walk the Portuguese Central (again), about a few miles after Casa daFernanda in the direction of Ponte deLima , you‘ll see a white house at the leftside with a drawing of the Apostle Santiago painted at the wall Many will recognize the house. In front is a bench to rest for a while.
if the owner is at home, he does not offer you water
but a coffee or a glass of Port wine. That is better stuff than water .
Last time I passed his house again, I brought him a packet of “ stroopwafels” sweet syrop waffles . He appreciated that gesture and invited us to come in the house for another Portwine or so.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

If you ever walk the Portuguese Central (again), about a few miles after Casa daFernanda in the direction of Ponte deLima

I was unable to stay at Casa Fernanda's in 2019, but a friend of mine had asked me to stop by and tell her hello, which I did. She enthusiastically invited me in for tea, but felt I did not have the time, which I regret. I do not recall the white house down the way, but the hospitality of the Portuguese people must extend quite a distance.

 

[trecile]

I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.

Unless there was a sign that said "para peregrinos" I would never think that anything next to a private home (or anywhere else) was mine for the taking!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Unless there was a sign that said "para peregrinos" I would never think that anything next to a private home (or anywhere else) was mine for the taking!

Well I sure enjoyed all the bread!

 

[stevepjq]

My wife and I first walked the Camino in 2013. Since then, she has a 1L bottle filled with water sitting in front of our mail box. I often see passing dogs peeing on that bottle and walk away with a snicker.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I don't believe the bread was fpr pilgrims. I believe it was the delivery service of the local bakery providing the residents their daily bread.

 

[Icacos]

I don't believe the bread was fpr pilgrims. I believe it was the delivery service of the local bakery providing the residents their daily bread.

What !?!?

Seriously, though, of course we know that. We are just having some fun.

 

[trecile]

I don't believe the bread was fpr pilgrims. I believe it was the delivery service of the local bakery providing the residents their daily bread.

Of course you are right. Some posters are referring to this old thread:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-bread-on-some-doors-in-the-early-morning-is-it-a-donation-for-the-pilgrims.80676/

 

[JerryStroebele]

I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Recently I asked my Spanish Camino amiga about those bottles. Yes, to prevent dogs from peeing in the doorways. The bottles used to be filed with a powerful and odorous chemical which did deter the dogs. The toxic chemical has been outlawed but the water bottle custom continues. At least the dogs hit the bottles and not the doorways. And supposedly, older dogs remember the chemical and go elsewhere. Buen Camino

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I don't believe the bread is for pilgrims and I doubt the bottles of water deter dogs from peeing on them. In fact, I think dogs think the bottles work as good as fire hydrants.

 

[filly]

Bottles on the Ruta de la Lana… (and there aren’t many dogs!!)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hmmm. Those two water jugs look very refreshing on a hot day.
I notice the sidewalk cracks do look rather "wet"; what does that tell us.

 

[JulesCAinMA]

In California nearby L.A. I saw half filled bottles with water inside the houses.
It was for warning the persons for earthshocks and earthquakes . As long as there is nothing wrong the watersurface stands still. If the surface is moving , get out of your house asap .

As a former resident of California, I can say with certainty that you don't need a water bottle to tell you when there is an earthquake or aftershocks!

 

[Jim Bispham]

I love the local custom of hanging fresh, delicious bread on doors too

There is a bread delivery service and they deliver and hang the bag on a handle or fence post, so as to keep the bread off the ground.

 

[Bristle Boy]

My guess is that the Spanish ask the same question of other countries.
Why do the British (or others) leave empty milk bottles on the front of their doorsteps?

 

[Snowflake5090]

I asked a few people while I was walking, but no one seemed to know. Most hadn’t even noticed. But in some towns/villages it seemed about half the houses had water bottles sitting outside their front door.

I know I could probably Google it and get the answer, but that seems too easy…

It’s to ward away the flies. We have them outside our doors and it works!!!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It’s to ward away the flies. We have them outside our doors and it works!!!!

The two bottles in the picture above have their caps on.
This idea might work better...

 

[C clearly]

My guess is that the Spanish ask the same question of other countries.

The links provided by @SabsP in post #14, indicate that this question is not simply a national one.

 

[Keyser]

I think it’s obvious that it is a local effort/tradition to put out bottles to water to discourage dogs or cats from peeing at the front doors of houses. Just accept and live with it as you pass through their way of life.

 

[Bristle Boy]

The links provided by @SabsP in post #14, indicate that this question is not simply a national one.

Thank you for your suggestion. I have no need to refer nor wish to do so. Google is my friend too.

https://www.thelocal.es/20210315/why-do-some-spanish-homes-have-bottles-of-water-outside-their-door#:~:text=Why%20are%20there%20water%20bottles,the%20driveways%20and%20entrances%3F%E2%80%9D.&text=The%20general%20consensus%20among%20Spanish,from%20urinating%20on%20people's%20doorways.

 

[C clearly]

Thank you for your suggestion. I have no need to refer nor wish to do so. Google is my friend too.

Sorry if my post was not helpful. Thank you for posting the link you have found.

 

[HappyValerie]

Hmmm. Those two water jugs look very refreshing on a hot day.
I notice the sidewalk cracks do look rather "wet"; what does that tell us.
View attachment 150991

The bottles have a slight leak????
( More likely a dog had a slight leak! )

 

[thejoker]

There is a bread delivery service and they deliver and hang the bag on a handle or fence post, so as to keep the bread off the ground.

Yes, just having some rather juvenile amusement to see who'd bite . Of course the bread is absolutely not for pilgrims (or dogs, for that matter).

 

[Mycroft]

I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

And after the sun goes down...?

 

[Bristle Boy]

Yes, just having some rather juvenile amusement to see who'd bite . Of course the bread is absolutely not for pilgrims (or dogs, for that matter).

Nothing wrong with throwing some bread in the garden to keep the birds well fed, chirping and happy.

 

[Former member 108241]

And after the sun goes down...?

Exactly. If you're hell bent on an answer you can always do your own research to find out if there's scientific evidence to back up the claim.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Exactly. If you're hell bent on an answer you can always do your own research to find out if there's scientific evidence to back up the claim.

Still got Garlic hanging on my front door. It works.
Haven't seen a vampire yet.

 

[abraxian]

I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.

Knock on the door and ask them what they are for.

 

[Mugintonn]

My wife and I first walked the Camino in 2013. Since then, she has a 1L bottle filled with water sitting in front of our mail box. I often see passing dogs peeing on that bottle and walk away with a snicker.

Not a Marathon?

 

[Pathfinder075]

Still got Garlic hanging on my front door. It works.
Haven't seen a vampire yet.

Or anyone?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Knock on the door and ask them what they are for.

If I knew some Spanish I would have asked.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

I think that these might be more effective.

 

[zenofmatthew]

Those tractors, left out in the field, those are for pilgrims, right? Also, why do the guardia civil yell so much when you're driving your newly found tractor? Very enjoyable thread. I love it when we speculate not knowing the answer, and we kind of get to the bottom of things. Harkens back to the halcyon days before the mobile phone. And we get to do this all day on the Camino.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I thought those boards at the bottom of doors were for wheelchair access. My youngest son is disabled so I see access through a different lens. Buen Camino

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I thought those boards at the bottom of doors were for wheelchair access. My youngest son is disabled so I see access through a different lens. Buen Camino

A good thought, and in looking again at the pictures, you could very well be correct in your observation.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

A good thought, and in looking again at the pictures, you could very well be correct in your observation.

The dual consensus from Reddit is either for flood control or stopping dogs and people from urinating on the door. Either way, preventing damage from a flood.

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/11wl2mv

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Well, we had a friend in a wheelchair and we had a similar temporary shaped plywood plank made so our friend could get wheeled in our house.

I doubt men would choose to urinate on someone's front door; a dark foyer or alley, possibly.

 

[HappyValerie]

Last Camino I asked about these boards leaning up against the doors. I was told it was to stop the bottom of the doors rotting from the rain. I still can't work out how you put them back up once you go inside. Surely not everyone is out. Bit of a give-away that noone is home.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Last Camino I asked about these boards leaning up against the doors. I was told it was to stop the bottom of the doors rotting from the rain. I still can't work out how you put them back up once you go inside. Surely not everyone is out. Bit of a give-away that noone is home.

I don't see how it can help much against water damage during floods as water seeps in everywhere there is a crack...maybe they caulk around the perimeter...not.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I don't see how it can help much against water damage during floods as water seeps in everywhere there is a crack...maybe they caulk around the perimeter...not.

They don't,

But these are , they slide in and they are waterproof.

 

[Bristle Boy]

They don't,

But these are , they slide in and they are waterproof.
View attachment 152087

And as you see on all the images..the front doors are all on the same level as the adjoining pathway. Whatever the reason, whether it is to stop water egress or damage or unwanted animal functions it works for them. Some things have a dual purpose.