Saint James the Greater Scallop Shell Rosary Centerpiece – Camino de Santiago Small Devotions

Saint James the Apostle scallop shell centerpiece. The front side of the pendant depicts a red Cross of Saint James, also known as the Santiago Cross or the Cruz Espada. The inside of the shell depicts St. James holding his pilgrim staff with a gourd attached at the hook.

This pendant pays homage to El Camino de Santiago (known in English as the Way of Saint James) which is one of the oldest Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. It is a network of pilgrims’ ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried. The scallop shell is the most well-known and iconic symbol associated with the Camino de Santiago. It is closely related to the history of the Jacobean route. It appears reflected on the Codex Calixtinus, as the clergy used to give it to pilgrims on their arrival at Santiago de Compostela city as accreditation for completing their pilgrimage. From ancient times to today, the scallop shell has accompanied pilgrims on their way. It is used as a symbol of their pilgrimage and as a practical item. It can be used as a container to drink water from the springs and streams along the way, and also to drink from the wine fountain at Irache, just outside the town of Estella on the French Way!

St. James was one of the original twelve Apostles, brother of Saint John the Evangelist, and is believed to be the cousin of Jesus since his mother, Salome is believed to have been Mary’s sister.

St. James is the patron of Guatemala, Spain, Nicaragua, veterinarians, horsemen, laborers, furriers, and soldiers; invoked against arthritis and rheumatism.

Quantity: Sold in increments of one

Size: 7/8″ long x 13/16″ wide

Material: zinc-based alloy

Important Note: All of our products are lead and cadmium free, and nickel safe. As they contain small parts, all items are for adult jewelry/craft making use only, not intended for children under the age of 15.