In the beginning…
The Camino de Santiago is often known as The Way of St. James. In the New Testament, St. James is referred to as a disciple of Jesus who left his trade as a fisherman to follow Jesus. St. James became known as the patron saint of Spain from tradition, history, legend and myth. Story goes that the Virgin Mary appeared to James and instructed him to build a church in Zaragoza, Spain with the pillar to which Jesus was tied to be whipped. Shortly after his encounter with Mary, James returned to Jerusalem and was martyred. His body was transported to Spain on a ship to Padron where James’ disciples buried his body on a nearby hill.
The body of St. James was forgotten until 813CE when a Christian hermit named Pelayo saw a light that led him to the grave. The bishop authenticated these relics, and King Alfonso II built a chapel for the saint. The whole town, except the tomb itself, was destroyed in 997 by a muslim leader. In 1075, the current cathedral was begun by order of Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile and was consecrated in 1211.
Santiago de Compostela became one of the three main Christian pilgrimage sites, along with Rome and Jerusalem during the middle ages. Since Jerusalem at times was a dangerous destination and the pilgrimage to Rome was mainly taken by boat, Santiago became the preferred pilgrimage site as it could be walked to from almost any site in Europe. The Way of St. James invites walkers not merely to a physical path, but to a way of life. The goal is not only to arrive in Santiago de Compostela, but to be personally transformed and inspired. It is a spiritual journey, unique to all individuals.
The Codex Calixtinus is a 12th century manuscript considered the world’s first guidebook. It is considered one of the most important documents of Christianity and a guide for The Way of St. James. It was intended as an anthology of history and advice for pilgrims following the Way of St. James. The collection includes sermons, reports of miracles and liturgical texts associated with Saint James and a set of polyphonic musical pieces. In it are also found descriptions of the route, works of art to be seen along the way, and the customs of the local people.
Symbols of El Camino:
The Scallop Shell: the lines represent different routes traveled by pilgrims which all lead to one point, the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. It also represents the fingers of an open hand symbolizing the good deeds expected of a pilgrim.
The Cross of St. James: The particular latin cross simulates a sword and its arms take the shape of a Fleur-De-Lys. Its red color represents Jesus’ blood and the white background is a sign of purity.