22/07/2024
As I'm going to walk the Bray Camino this Thursday, I've been looking a bit more into the history and the attraction of walking a Camino.
I find it quite interested that even in Medieval times, people were keen to share their achievements with others. The pilgrims brought back home the StJames Shells and a certificate that they completed their pilgrimage.
BTW, there are still some places left, if you like to join at last minute, but I'd need to know by tomorrow evening.
https://wellnesstourguide.ie/bray-camino/
You might have heard of Santiago di Compostela, but what actually is COMPOSTELA ?
The Compostela is a certificate issued by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to pilgrims who have completed a significant portion of the Camino.
It serves as an official acknowledgement of the pilgrim’s dedication and effort in completing the pilgrimage of St James.
HISTORY OF THE COMPOSTELA
The Compostela, a revered certificate given to pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago, has a rich history dating back centuries.
It is a testament to the enduring tradition and significance of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and one that has been awarded for centuries.
Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this cherished document:
Origins and St James
The origins of the Compostela can be traced back to the 9th century when the tomb of Saint James the Apostle was discovered in the region of Galicia, Spain.
Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was believed to have preached the Gospel in the Iberian Peninsula before returning to Jerusalem, where he was martyred.
According to legend, the body of Saint James was carried by boat from Jerusalem to the coast of Galicia and buried in what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.
The location of the tomb was lost for several centuries until its miraculous rediscovery in the early 9th century.
The Camino de Santiago and Pilgrimage Culture
As news of the discovery of Saint James’s tomb spread, pilgrims from all over Europe began to make their way to Santiago de Compostela, establishing what would later become known as the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James.
The pilgrimage became one of the most significant religious journeys of the Middle Ages, rivaling even the pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem.
Throughout the medieval period, the Camino de Santiago flourished, attracting pilgrims from various walks of life, including nobility, clergy, and commoners.
The pilgrimage became not only a religious undertaking but also a cultural and social phenomenon that transcended national boundaries.
Compostela as a Symbol of Completion
As the number of pilgrims increased, there arose a need to identify and reward those who completed the journey. Thus, the Compostela certificate was established.
Early Compostelas were handwritten Latin documents that acknowledged the pilgrim’s devotion and dedication to Saint James.
Over the centuries, the Compostela’s format and design evolved, incorporating decorative elements and images related to Saint James.
Despite these changes, the certificate’s significance as a symbol of pilgrimage completion remained steadfast.
Bray Camino St James Day, Thursday, 25th July 2024 – 10am Start: St. James Church, Dublin Finish: Bray Seafront The Bray Camino is a 32k route along the coastline of Dublin Bay which is one of the official Celtic Camino routes in Ireland. This will be my 4th time doing this Camino, and I think it....
