Scallop#Symbolism

The Atlantic scallop, the Great Atlantic scallop ( Pecten maximus) was. , In the form of the right shell Häfte of the animal or pewter casting such the distinctive mark of the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, from the late 9th century burial site of St James and the most important place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages Carl von Linne, the Mediterranean scallop and the real scallop ( P. maximus and Chlamys opercularis as Small scallop L.) confused by the not living before Santiago Mediterranean style gave the name P. jacobaeus.

The Great Atlantic scallop as pilgrims mark

The Real scallop ( P. maximus) to have their name to a later legend according to the following origin:

A young nobleman rode once, contrary to the ship in which the body of St. James was brought to Spain. Unfortunately, he sank it in the sea; However, James miraculously saved his life and helped the Knights to reach the shore. Thus his body was covered all over with shells, and for this reason the mussel has since been worn as a protection symbol.

Since the early Middle Ages, therefore, serve the right, more curved flaps of mussels Jacob pilgrims who visit the grave of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, as a distinctive mark. Originally, the conch also be proof of pilgrimage. The mussels were sold on pilgrimage and secured by the pilgrims at the clothes, mostly on his hat; the sale of the badge was an important source of income in the pilgrimage. An extension of the pilgrimage route for pilgrims is some 60km long road to Cape Finisterre - the "end of the world" - where they collect these shells in the sea.

Since the 13th century the pilgrimage was no longer with the shell, but with a certificate (now La Compostela ) certified. Furthermore, however, was a Zinnabguss a Great scallop as an important beneficent memento. Today is the Great Atlantic scallop the distinctive mark of the Pilgrims, which is worn visibly on the backpack.

It also serves as identification of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago and then often found on street signs, curbs and paths crosses. In the branched access routes in France and Germany it is increasingly becoming a symbol of the pilgrimage.

In European graves mainly from the 11th to the 14th century repeated Large pectinids have been found to Scandinavia. From such grave finds can be ancient pilgrimage traditions, understand their temporal allocation and their local significance.

Heraldry

• See also: List of coats of arms with the scallop
• See also: The shell as a heraldic animal