Taking the decision to become a pilgrim is undoubtedly one of the best experiences one can feel. From choosing the route to take, packing the suitcase, and embarking on the journey, everything is an adventure that will stay in our memories forever. Organising companies for the Camino de Santiago, such as Viajes Mundiplus, make it easier for you to embark on this ancient pilgrimage route.
It is a mix of emotions, both in the planning and the development of the journey itself. However, spirituality and hope are the ones that prevail for the more devout. In fact, there are many rituals on the Camino de Santiago that help to make the pilgrim’s connection to the experience even more emotional.
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The main rituals of the Camino de Santiago
In case you didn’t know, there are different rituals on the Camino de Santiago that you should keep in mind and make the most of during your journey. We would almost dare to say that not doing them takes away some of the magic from an unforgettable experience.
Leaving stones on the path
We don’t know for sure when it started, but this is one of the most well-known rituals or customs of the Camino de Santiago. It involves leaving small stones along the route, including at rest stops. These stones will serve as a guide for other pilgrims to ensure they are on the right path. This practice is widespread on the legendary Camino de Santiago from Sarria (the last 100 km of the French Way).
But that’s not all. There is also another reason, much more spiritual. Leaving stones on the path also symbolically represents that both the pains and mistakes of the past are left behind. Thus, upon arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago, our soul will be much cleaner and purified.
Although it is well known, this ritual has some variations. Some people opt to make small crosses by hand from branches they pick along the way, which they then place on the path. The reason for this is to pay tribute or homage to loved ones who are no longer here in this world.
Others choose to leave a piece of clothing or some belongings as a sign of their commitment to shed burdens on the Camino de Santiago. For this reason, it is common to see various improvised altars where pilgrims leave their items.
Attending the Pilgrim’s Mass is one of the most important rituals of the Camino de Santiago
Of course, the goal is always to reach the Cathedral of Santiago. Once there, the next tradition is to participate in the Pilgrim’s Mass.
This Eucharistic celebration takes place every day at 7:30, 9:30, 12 noon, and 19:30. The priests invite all the pilgrims present to participate in it, both in the readings and in the various activities they carry out, where they mention their country or city of origin.
You can also see the botafumeiro swing on certain dates of the year. This is a huge censer whose origin dates back to the Middle Ages and has been used as a symbol of purification for the population. An important fact is that to move it, the strength of eight men is required.
Touching the staff and hugging the Apostle
The staff is one of the main elements or accessories for every pilgrim during their journey. In the cathedral, you will find the one used by the Apostle James during his own journey.
You should know that it’s not exactly in plain sight. On the contrary, it is semi-hidden in one of the columns of the crossing. It rests inside a long bronze reliquary which is crowned with a small statue of the Apostle.
One of the customs of the Camino de Santiago inside the Cathedral is precisely to touch the staff as a sign of devotion.
Furthermore, also inside the cathedral, after meditating before the image of the Apostle, pilgrims would climb a set of stairs to visit him and hug him.
This ritual is a bit more recent, as until the end of the 19th century, the crypt was restricted to the public.
Bathing in the waters of Finisterre
You might think that the pilgrim’s route ends with the arrival at the Cathedral. However, you can extend the experience. Some pilgrims decide to continue their journey to Cape Finisterre, a place that was long considered as the end of the world.
Those who reached this point in the past would often burn a piece of clothing or all their clothes or leave the boots that accompanied them during the pilgrimage. The symbolism is leaving behind the old life and the beginning of a new one. This tradition is now prohibited under penalty of a fine.
This ritual is carried out on Langosteira Beach, and there are some who seal it with a dip in the cold waters of Finisterre. It is important to note that this last part is only for the brave, as the temperatures can be so low that some have experienced hypothermia.
The purpose of this cold bath is none other than to purify the body and spirit before returning home, after this wonderful experience. An experience that undoubtedly marks a turning point for anyone.
