Shells

[Elyn Aviva]

In the Middle Ages, the shell was received (purchased) in Santiago as one
indication one had completed the pilgrimage. Actually, I remember reading
that several thriving businesses got set up prior to Santiago to sell
shells... Anyway, in 1982 people were already wearing the shell en route to
Santiago. It helped identify them as pilgrims instead of "excursionistas."
This was actually rather important. I remember people running after me when
they realized I was a pilgrim, offering me food, drink, advice.

The shell can be purchased at speciality cooking stores--it is the same one
used for coquille St. Jacques. Better yet, order the scallop dish in a
restaurant and keep the shell! You can drill holes in it to string a ribbon
or leather lace through (be careful of colored ribbons and laces--sweat will
make the color run onto your neck and clothes); or, you can use a thick kind
of glue and glue the ribbon/lace to the back of the shell. Or you can glue a
pin on it and pin it to your backpack or hat. Or you can make a scallop shell
design and sew it or print it on your clothes or hat. And so on.

The scallop shell is not only associated with baptism, it's also associated
with Venus. And their were shrines to Venus in Spain...

Buen Camino,
Elyn