Patches, Shells, & Symbols

[Papist Giant]

I've read somewhere that it is recommended (traditional) to identify oneself as a pelegrino with some sort of patch or symbol (a scallop shell dangling off my pack, an arrow, scallop shell patch, or even a St. James cross)

Is this something I should have ahead of time? If so, which one? Are any of these considered a badge of honor that I should only display upon completion? Is there any cool lore associated with any of these symbols?

 

[Johien]

I've read somewhere that it is recommended (traditional) to identify oneself as a pelegrino with some sort of patch or symbol (a scallop shell dangling off my pack, an arrow, scallop shell patch, or even a St. James cross)

Is this something I should have ahead of time? If so, which one? Are any of these considered a badge of honor that I should only display upon completion? Is there any cool lore associated with any of these symbols?

Depend on where you start but you will find that the shell can be bought almost every where on the route. I don't know if there is a Confraternity of St James in the USA but when I joined the one in South Africa, I was able to bought my Pilgrims Passport (for the stamps "sello's') and also a badge for my back pack in advance. I see there is a forum "American Pilgrims on the Camino" on the internet - surely they can help you.

 

[Tincatinker]

For a recent discussion on the wearing of Scallop Shells see www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/shells-where-can-they-go.36928/#post-351562 which contains some further interesting links.

Many members choose to wear a Forum Patch on their packs, available from Ivar here Camino Passport. Your Credencial identifies you as a Pilgrim: as do your clothes, your rucsack, staff or poles, your muddy/dusty boots and , hopefully not, your limp.

 

[Papist Giant]

One personal tradition that I've done is to buy a medal of the Saint and have a priest from that site bless it.

I like the notion that a shell only be granted once I reach Finnestre, as proof of my journey.

If a shell identifies myself as a pelegrino, I might bring one from the U.S. then bring another back from Finnestre

I will also bring a rock of significance- now I just have to figure out how to get a rock on the plane.

 

[Seabird]

Buen Camino and enjoy your planning!

 

[Mike Savage]

I bought a forum patch and credential though this site and chose not to wear or carry a shell.

Mike

 

[Icacos]

........Your Credencial identifies you as a Pilgrim: as do your clothes, your rucsack, staff or poles, your muddy/dusty boots and , hopefully not, your limp.

And sometimes, unfortunately, your smell.

 

[Icacos]

.......I will also bring a rock of significance- now I just have to figure out how to get a rock on the plane.

What size rock are you thinking of? Most peregrinos bring a rock of no significant weight, and just put it in their backpack.

 

[Papist Giant]

I mainly meant meaningful significance, but the symbolism of a physical unburdening- enough to notice a difference in my pack would be meaningful.

Maybe, the greater the size of the stone, the heavier the weight on a person's soul.

 

[Kanga]

I think it is the "pilgrim shuffle" that identifies us - those odd half steps with slightly stiff knees we all make when we first get up after resting at a coffee stop.

@Papist Giant - walking the Camino itself is penance enough, believe me. Don't deliberately sabotage yourself.

 

[MichaelSG]

I like the notion that a shell only be granted once I reach Finnestre, as proof of my journey.

That is a nice notion but your stamped credential and toned body will combine to be much better proof that you walked the Camino. As noted, you can obtain a shell at lots of places along the way, including at the Pilgrims Office at St. Jean Pied de Port.

I like the notion that my shell, which is sitting with my compostelas and credentials in a display case, has travelled every step of two Caminos with me. It fits in the case a lot easier than the other things that accompanied me each time, ie., my backpack and my wife.

 

[wayfarer]

I think it is the "pilgrim shuffle" that identifies us

When we were walking we referred to this as the "John Wayne" walk, trying to look casual as all your muscles screamed at you.

 

[Kitsambler]

The British confraternity has a shell patch; I find these are lighter weight and less fragile than the actual shells. http://www.csj.org.uk/product/woven-badge/

 

[jbear]

Depend on where you start but you will find that the shell can be bought almost every where on the route.

They are pretty easy find at just about any town with more than 100 people. If you want to get one there, you'll have no trouble.

I don't know if there is a Confraternity of St James in the USA but when I joined the one in South Africa, I was able to bought my Pilgrims Passport (for the stamps "sello's') and also a badge for my back pack in advance. I see there is a forum "American Pilgrims on the Camino" on the internet - surely they can help you.

Yes, here we have a chapter of the Confraternity of St. James-American Pilgrims on the Camino is it! http://www.americanpilgrims.org
Great place to get a (free) pilgrim's passport. It is, however, small. If you start from SJPdP you'll likely need a second. They also have local groups that can be very valuable. In fact our local group is having a get together this weekend.

Some (or all?) chapters of the American Pilgrims on the Camino association hold "Camino de Santiago Shell Ceremonies" for departing pilgrims. I think this tradition hasn't reached us yet but I am sure it is just a matter of time .

Some churches here in the states do them. It's not a regular thing but they do happen. APOC is handy for finding out about the where & when as well.

I like the notion that my shell, which is sitting with my compostelas and credentials in a display case, has travelled every step of two Caminos with me. It fits in the case a lot easier than the other things that accompanied me each time, ie., my backpack and my wife.

I like this notion as well. I left my house with a shell that my oldest daughter found for me on a beach in Charleston, SC. Oddly enough, by the time I reached SdC I had three. The one my daughter gave me, one that I bought in SJPdP as I was leaving town (why, I don't know, it just felt right), and finally one that was given to me by a Spanish family member. That is story in and of its self, and a bit off topic. All three are special to me for different reasons.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I think it is the "pilgrim shuffle" that identifies us - those odd half steps with slightly stiff knees we all make when we first get up after resting at a coffee stop.

@Papist Giant - walking the Camino itself is penance enough, believe me. Don't deliberately sabotage yourself.

Sadly a permanent way of life for those of us of "a certain age" whether on the Camino or not

 

[Gareth Griffith]

Depend on where you start but you will find that the shell can be bought almost every where on the route. I don't know if there is a Confraternity of St James in the USA but when I joined the one in South Africa, I was able to bought my Pilgrims Passport (for the stamps "sello's') and also a badge for my back pack in advance. I see there is a forum "American Pilgrims on the Camino" on the internet - surely they can help you.

I like the idea of buying a shell. I asked at a fish stall on Doncaster Market and was happily given one.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I like the idea of buying a shell. I asked at a fish stall on Doncaster Market and was happily given one.

Just imagine how much more you would like your shell if you bought in at the fish market after arriving in Santiago, after eating its contents no less. ;0)

 

[Kanga]

How about this great archeological find: The oldest scallop shell?

 

[Stivandrer]

I brought a peregrino patch on my backpack from the organisation of my country and this brass scallop bell .
I had it on my bellypack that I strapped around the bedpost every night. As an early warning system it would alert any intrusion, and at daytime, the jingle warned people off in front of me...

My collegues, however, are are going mad with the jingle, so it is now muffled with cotton.
But it goes with any of the bags I carry and is a good reminder of good days and that I must soon go again...

 

[aghamore]

I like the idea of buying a shell. I asked at a fish stall on Doncaster Market and was happily given one.

Yorkshire bloke? Can't fault thi.