Understanding the Symbols of the Jacob’s Shell and the Yellow Arrow on the Camino in the Light of Luckmann’s Theory of Symbols and Pilgrims’ Testimonies

Abstract

Pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago route is experiencing a revival in late modernity. It is transforming into a personal ritual where the meaning is more important than the destination, and the journey is more significant than the goal. Two common symbols on the Way of St. James are the scallop shell and the yellow arrow. This article examines personal and experiential accounts of encountering these symbols, utilizing Luckmann’s theory of symbols. The authors first outline the basics of Luckmann’s theory and incorporate the understanding of rituals developed by some other authors from Luckmann’s perspective. They then present a series of personal experiences shared by pilgrims when encountering the scallop shell and the yellow arrow on the Camino de Santiago. Finally, the conclusion sheds light on the pilgrims’ testimonies from the perspective of Luckmann’s theory of symbols.

Keywords

• luckmann; symbol; ritual; camino de santiago; scallop shell; yellow arrow