sites & Shields

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
The Santiago Cities' shields referred to in an earlier message are different
from city to city.  There isn't one that it the same for all.  In fact, among
all of them there are not two which are alike.  One will have Santiago on
horseback brandishing a sword; another will have Santiago on a horse carrying
a banner with the Jacobean (Santiago) red cross;  others have Santiago as a
pilgrim; others have only the staff, gourd and shells, and still others have
the shells in various configurations.  It appears that each Santiago-named
City designed  its own shield.   -In the Spanish Archives the Santiago shells
are called "veneras" (I don't know why)-.
Further, "conquistadores such as Pizarro and Cortez bore conspicously the
Santiago Cross on their uniforms, at least in their extant portraits.
Columbus himself wrote that he was guided by Santiago "riding his white horse
on the clouds".
Since it was by adopting Santiago as the "patron and protector of the
Spains", which brought together the "dismembered parts of the country into a
whole vibrant  body and one nation" as expressed by the 15th century
Granadine writer Nebrija, it would appear that the spirit of the explorers
and adventurers who came to America were immersed  in  Santiago inspiration.
As historically reported, the unification of Spain was achieved in January of
1492 under the banner, belief and devotion of Queen Isabel who attributed the
success of her efforts to the help of Santiago.  Since the incursion onto
America followed only a few months later, and it proved to be a resounding
success for the conquistadores, it would appear that Santiago got much of the
credit therefor and was reverentially, devotedly, or, perhaps by some,
superstitiously, honored and recognized in the "New World".
At any rate, there isn't just one city shield, there are many;  to see
pictures thereof one needs to resort to the books mentioned by Maryjane in
her latest message.
Saludos afectuosos to you all,
Rosina