Pilgrimage: Observing the Signs

Last week I talked about the Camino Shell symbol. There are also a lot of yellow arrows pointing the way on the Camino de Santiago.  

Observe the Signs - the Yellow Arrows

Father Don Elías Valiña Sampedro was a Camino pilgrim. As the parish priest of O Cebreiro (a historic town along the Camino Frances) Father Don Elías was instrumental in revitalizing the Camino and marking the Way with the yellow arrows. In 1984 he started to mark the route with yellow paint; from Roncesvalles, in the Pyrenees, to Santiago de Compostela.

Today those yellow arrows show us the Way on the Camino, what direction to go. It is important to keep going in the right direction, isn’t it? Sure, you can take a detour to see something special or enjoy a unique experience. But that shouldn’t lead you so far off the path that you get lost or lose the desire to complete your journey. 

Shells and Arrows mark the Way

Signs along the Camino can be simple yellow arrows spray-painted onto a fence, or a pile of rocks in the shape of an arrow, or a statue (generally facing toward Santiago), or an actual sign. Most cities along the Way have tiles on the street that indicate you are on the right path. 

Scallop shells are often integrated into the directional signage. However, they can be misleading. Sometimes, the lines on the shell are pointing to Santiago. All lines (routes) converge at the cathedral. And sometimes they are positioned the opposite way, with the open part of the lines pointing to Santiago.

Arrows are more consistent; however, sometimes café and bar owners will add arrows pointing to their establishment and off the Camino. So be cautious. 

Another place to be cautious is on the Camino Portuguese. There are yellow arrows pointing to Santiago and blue arrows pointing the way to Fatima, the beloved Portuguese pilgrimage site. 

Yellow for Santiago, Blue for Fatima

And some signs have been altered by clever pilgrims. I once saw a sign that read, “When you feel like quitting, you’re probably making progress.”   

How many times in life do you feel like quitting? Because it’s hard, or uncomfortable, or too much of commitment, or just because fear keeps us living within our comfort zone? 

Keep persisting, look for the signs pointing you forward, toward your destination. Move forward with faith and gratitude. Make progress!