Hanging on every backpack on the Camino is the shell. The reason it became a symbol of the Camino is a mixture of legend and symbol. St James, “Santiago” in Spanish, was the first of the apostles to have been martyred for his faith in Christ. It is believed that James traveled to Spain to teach the gospel. After spending time in Spain spreading the Good News, he returned to the Holy Land and was then martyred.

After his martyrdom, a few disciples brought his body back to Spain and it is believed the sea shell filled the shore line along the ocean in Spain. Another legend says a “figure” of a man covered in sea shells emerged from the waters and walked on the beach front, supposedly being James.

It is believed that the body of James was buried in a field and discovered in the seventh or eighth century and the cathedral was built over the spot of burial. Venerating his bones became the purpose of creating the pilgrimage. More likely, the pilgrimage was created by the church to attract countless Christians to journey to Spain, “re-conquering” Spain from the Moors or Muslims.

In all likelihood, the shell became a symbol of the Camino simply because of its association with baptism, the shell being used to pour the waters of baptism over the individual’s head. And Jesus called the first disciples along the seashore, the place where shells wash in from the depths of the ocean.

The legends are interesting but the truth much more enriching.