Camino de Santiago

7 Symbols along the Camino de Santiago

Symbols and meaning along the way

Introduction

The Camino de Santiago is a unique journey, giving you a pilgrimage experience. It is a journey, not a destination. Though it ends in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, the Camino has been a destination of solace, self-reflection, and transformation. This historic city in the Galicia region, Northwest of Spain, is famous for its ancient pilgrimage routes, architecture, and rich history. This is one of the experiences wherein it is truly the journey that counts.

Throughout this experience, you will encounter several symbols and items that embody the Camino de Santiago. This blog post will introduce you to the different symbols you will encounter.

1. The Yellow Arrow (Flecha Amarilla)

The first symbol, the Yellow Arrow is a very important symbol of the Camino. It’s importance cannot be understated as these directional arrows guide the pilgrims trying to reach Santiago de Compostela. They can be found painted on trees, roads, stones, buildings, and other surfaces along the route, and they are often accompanied by the words “Camino de Santiago” or the Scallop Shell to ensure pilgrims do not get lost. Some of these yellow arrows have a unique, distinguishable shape and are always associated with the Camino.

2. The Stone Marker

The Stone Marker is a symbol that marks the distance left to Santiago de Compostela. Often made of stone, it marks the number of kilometers left to reach Santiago de Compostela. Ancient markers will not contain distance but the symbol of the scallop shell and the yellow arrow. These markers can be found quite often along the entire route, giving guidance and confidence to the pilgrim that they are on the right path. It reminds them how far they have come and how close they are.

Each marker, a testament to the journey: ‘Every step taken is a step closer to your destiny, and every distance conquered is a testament to your inner strength.’

3. The Scallop Shell (La Vieira)

The Scallop Shell (La Vieira) is the most iconic symbol of the Camino de Santiago. The shell is often found along the route and is worn by pilgrims to symbolize their journey. It is also used as a directional marker, as the grooves in the shell all converge at a single point, representing the different routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Whenever you see statues of the twelve apostles at churches, you would easily see Saint James with the shell imprinted on him.

The shell symbolizes new beginnings as the pilgrims shed their old selves and find a new purpose along the journey.

The scallop shell can be found abundantly throughout the region. Legend has at least two versions of how the scallop shell became associated with the Camino de Santiago and Saint James.

• After the death of Saint James (one of Jesus’ 12 apostles), his followers brought his body back to Spain via ship. Thinking that his body may have been lost at sea, it washed ashore covered in scallop shells protecting his body.
• Another version tells the story of a wedding. At the wedding, the bride, together with their horse, gets pulled to sea. They survived and returned to shore, protected from the shells.

Aside from its origin, the shell is also a tool. It is used to drink water or wine. Playa del Orzán beach has them all around.

The Camino de Santiago is a journey to the west, thus to the end of the world. During Roman times, they believed that Finisterre and Muxía (further west of Santiago de Compostela) were where the world ended. The symbol of the shell is also an assurance that you are still on the right path.

It is a beacon of transformation that no matter how uncertain the path is, it leads us closer to discovering the essence of our true selves.”

4. The Cross of Saint James (Cruz de Santiago):

The Cross of Saint James (Cruz de Santiago) is a symbol that represents Saint James and the Camino de Santiago. Depicted in red, it also represents a sword, with each end of the cross depicted by a fleur-de-lis, a common symbol for knights during that medieval period. The most common understanding is that the cross symbolizes the Christian faith, and the sword defends the faith.

It is most commonly seen imprinted in the scallop shell. Along the route, the Santiago cross is seen at churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and other Christian religious sites.

For the dedicated individuals, the Santiago cross evokes tales of devotion, with the reminder, that the Camino is not merely a route but it is a pilgrimage, echoing centuries of dedication to Saint James.”

5. The Pilgrims Passport (Credencial del Peregrino):

The Pilgrim’s Passport (Credencial del Peregrino) or sometimes called the Credential, is as important as it sounds. It is part of the Pilgrim’s journey along the Camino de Santiago. This credential serves as the documented track of the pilgrim’s progress. A testament to their enduring human spirit.

In addition to holding this credential, they present it to be stamped at various points, including cafes, churches, hostels, and other places of Interest. You can also get a stamp at the post office and some designated stations of the Guardia Civil.

This credential, also allows you to use Albergue’s or other facilities open to pilgrims along the way. And for those whose journey concludes at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Passport is presented as it serves as evidence of that journey, as it transforms — from a key to a keepsake, memories of places visited, lessons learned, and the human spirit that keeps us ever-moving forward.”

For others, they would continue for another 100km (67 miles) towards the end of the world at Finisterre or Muxía and receive another Compostela.

6. The Backpack

“Imagine the courage it took to embark on treacherous journeys in the past. Today, the safety we often take for granted is symbolized by the backpack we wear — a representation of our burdens, hopes, and dreams. As we journey forward, we carry with us the lessons of the past, wrapped in the promise of tomorrow. Upon reaching our destination, we find the strength to release all we’ve carried, realizing the weight was never just about survival, but about discovering our true selves. The modern pilgrim, distinguishable by their backpack, is a testament to the enduring human spirit, ever-prepared and always forging ahead.”

7. The Walking Stick

From the ancient form to modern versions, the walking stick has been a steady and safe companion to pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Like the backpack, you would identify the individual as a pilgrim once seen.

The stick is an essential tool to make the journey more manageable. It distributes the impact and pressure to avoid pain or injury.

This humble piece of wood also represents strength, support, and resilience. Each step reminds us that we are guided and not alone as pilgrims lean into the stick, as it symbolizes the balance of ourselves and the world around us. The Camino teaches us that sometimes we lead; at other times, we lean, let others lead, and also follow those we lead.”

Conclusion

It is my hope that you enjoyed reading some important symbols of the Camino de Santiago. As you walk the Camino, there will be lots more symbols than what is listed here.

These symbols carry centuries of tradition and stories from pilgrims who have walked the same path. They provide a window to your Camino, your experience, and your Story. In every step and every symbol, lies a lesson, and a chance to discover a part of ourselves we would not have thought ourselves capable of. We are more capable than we believe, and I hope the Camino can help us find it.