Pilgrim's staff facts for kids
The pilgrim's staff is a special walking stick used by Christian pilgrims. Pilgrims are people who travel to holy places for religious reasons. They use these staffs during their long journeys, called pilgrimages. Famous pilgrimages include the Way of St. James in Spain and the Via Francigena to Rome.
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims arriving in Rome would often leave their staffs at a church called San Giacomo Scossacavalli. This church was once known as San Salvatore de Bordonia, where Bordone is an old Italian word for staff or stick. After leaving their old staffs, pilgrims would buy new ones from sellers called Vergari. These sellers had shops near the church of Santa Maria dei Vergari, in an area now known as Borgo Santo Spirito.
What is a Pilgrim's Staff?
A pilgrim's staff usually has a hook on it. This hook is useful for hanging things like a small bag or a water bottle. Sometimes, the walking stick also has a cross-piece near the top. This cross-piece can make it easier to lean on or carry.
The pilgrim's staff is strongly connected to Saint James the Great. He is one of Jesus's twelve main followers. Many pilgrims use the staff when they travel to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This journey is known as the Way of St. James.
Pilgrim's Staff in History
The pilgrim's staff is not just a tool for walking. It is also a symbol used in heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and other symbols used by families or groups. You can sometimes see a pilgrim's staff on old family shields or emblems. This shows a connection to pilgrimages or religious journeys.
Gallery
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Coat of Arms of Cangas, Galicia -
Pilgrim's staff -
Coat of Arms of Bever featuring pilgrim with pastoral staff -
Way of St. James pilgrims (1568)
See also
- Cross of Saint James
- Pilgrim badge
- Jacob's staff
- Pilgrim's hat
- Khakkhara
