The Meaning of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago

The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago, and no matter where you are on the road, you will see countless scallop shell symbols.

They are used today, together with the yellow arrows, to guide the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. But you will see them on walls, churches, signposts, on pilgrims’ backpacks, and on their bodies as tattoos or at their necks in the form of necklaces.

The ‘Vieira,’ as it is called in Galician and Spanish, helps pilgrims on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. But there is more to the scallop shell symbol, and there are many legends, myths, and stories that connect the ‘Vieira’ and Saint James Way.

Saint James and the Myths of Scallop Shell

camino scallop shell

St. James was one of Jesus’s disciples who traveled to Iberia, which is now known as Galicia, to convert pagans to Christianity. When he returned to Jerusalem, King Herrod ordered his beheading, making him the first disciple to be martyred. His body was returned to Galicia by ship, and it is allegedly buried at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

But what is the relation between St. James and the scallop shell? Well, this is explained by the myths and legends any pilgrim should know.

According to one story, the ship that was carrying St. James’ body was destroyed in a storm, and his body was discovered on the shore completely undamaged because he was covered in scallop shells.

A second myth tells us that the ship passed by a beach wedding, and it scared the horse ridden by the bride. The horse got into the water with her on its back, but, thanks to Divine Intervention, they were saved, emerging from the water covered in scallop shells.

There is another legend saying that while the ship with St. James’ body was passing beneath a cliff, a knight fell from the top, and a miracle made the knight emerge from the sea covered in scallop shells.

There are also many stories about the scallop shell dating back to pre-Christian times. In Roman Hispania, pagans used a route, known as the Janus Path, as a born-again ritual, ending in Finisterre. The starting point was the Temple of Venus, dedicated to the Roman goddess of love. According to legend, the goddess had risen from the sea on a scallop shell, which became a symbol of fertility rituals practiced along the route.

If you want to see a clear image of Venus in this position, you can have a look at Botticelli’s work of art called The Birth of Venus, displayed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

What is the Significance of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago?

Camino Shell Logo

The legends are interesting and get you closer to the local culture. But the scallop shell has one more meaning, a metaphorical one. It is considered that its lines represent the different routes pilgrims take to arrive at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.

In some regions, like Asturias, people consider that the longest line of the scallop is the one pointing towards Santiago.

As already mentioned, the ‘Vieira’ reassures pilgrims they are on the right path since it is usually placed next to a yellow arrow, the most accurate ‘road sign’ on the Camino de Santiago.

But the shell is more than a symbol. It was worn by medieval pilgrims attached to their hats or cloaks, it also had a practical purpose. They used it as a bowl to hold their food and drink during the pilgrimage. At churches and other establishments that used to feed the pilgrims, the scallop shell scoop was the measure for food.

The Scallop Shell around Europe

Scallop Shell Design on Wall

The scallop shell became such a powerful symbol of the Camino de Santiago that it appears in many other places as well.

If you look carefully, you will see that not only the churches along the Camino but also those dedicated to St James around the world have this ancient icon displayed as a proud testament to their connection with the saint.

Also, pilgrims who have completed the way sometimes have the scallop shell carved on their tombs. The symbol was found in many religious communities across the continent. For instance, in Ireland, in priories and cathedrals in Counties Westmeath and Galway, many medieval graves marked by the scallop shell have been discovered.

And, together with a bronze-gilded statue of St James on a pewter scallop shell found at a Galway cathedral in a centuries-old tomb, the scallop shell shows the importance of El Camino and its connection with Ireland.

The Scallop Shell Symbol Today

If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago today, you will most likely not need to eat or drink from a pilgrim scallop shell. But the ‘Vieira’ will be with you all along. It’s not only a symbol of the ‘right way to Santiago de Compostela’, but also a memento, proof of having completed El Camino.

If you want to spot fellow pilgrims on the Camino, you just have to look around their neck or on their backpacks, because many choose to wear the shell during their pilgrimage.

And as you can probably imagine, the shell has become a famous souvenir and a great source of business for the shops near the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, as well as many places along the way. You can also buy one as a gift for the Camino pilgrim in your life before they set off.

Now that you know the meaning of the scallop shell, you are one step closer to being ready for your pilgrim journey. Of course, you will need more information to decide which way you want to choose and how you want to get to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. An excellent place to start is the packing list that you will likely need.

10 thoughts on “The Meaning of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago”

  1. I absolutely love your newsletter. I cannot wait for the day I can walk the Camino. It’s been a dream of mine now for 4 years.
    Thank you for your wonderful information!
    Happy hiking! 😊

    Reply
  2. The scallop shell will be my first buy when i arrive in France along with my pilgrim passport and will use as a symbol of strength and motivation along my journey.

    Reply
  3. I am starting my 3rd Camino this May. The scallop shell has become a source of happy remembrance to me, especially when I see it hanging from the mirrors of Uber drivers or tattooed on others who have completed The Way. It is a symbol that joins people together. Thanks so much for your newsletter!

    Reply
  4. Yes I read your article with interest but there is one more theory as to why the scallop shell. Pilgrims used to walk both ways, and to prove they had made it to Finisterre they would bring back the scallop shell. A simple and easy to follow custom, one that would impress peoples not used to seeing the ocean.

    Reply
  5. I am hoping to walk the Camino in September it has been a dream of mine for 2 plus years, I will be 74 September 06th and hope to be on the trail for my birthday celebration!
    Any suggestions for this not so old guy?? Haha!!
    Roland (Rolly) from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Reply
    • Our day by day blog is at pilgrims4blog.wordpress.com. We did the Camino in 2017 and both my sister and I posted every day. Hopefully there might be some information in there that will be of benefit to you. Enjoy your Camino. I hope to do it again some day.

      Reply
    • September is a beautiful time of year to walk the Camino. My wife and I walked from Leon in 2021, starting on Sept. 7th just 2 months shy of turning 74 years of age. Buen Camino

      Reply
  6. Hi Rolly,
    My family and I did the Camino in 2016 and it was an experience of a lifetime. I will likely do it again this year or next [depending on covid]. Taking your time and not pushing it is important as is good pair of hiking shoes. Be in reasonably good shape by training leading up to the Camino. It is a walk of a lifetime. I am now 75.

    Reply
  7. I had planned to walk 4 years ago but my bad hip hurt so bad, I decided to wait until after surgery. Had everything I needed for the trip including airfare and the most beautiful scallop shell to tie to my pack. It all still awaits me. With Covid issues out of the way (hopefully) spring of 2023 will be the year.

    Reply

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