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Old 2nd December 2012, 10:38 AM   #13
cornelistromp
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@ Fernando and Jim, you did a really great Job, this is of course the right
track. SANTVAGO and the reverse side "IN TOLEDO"?!?
Indeed maybe the dagger of a member of the Portuguese Military Order of Saint James of the Sword/ Ordem Militar de Santiago da Espada 1172-1834.

The most prominent symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is the scallop. It is used as the main ornament on all buildings along the Camino. The shell symbolizes the female genitals and is known as a symbol of birth or rebirth. (fe "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli.)
It is a symbol of a pre-Christian fertility rite, which, like many pagan symbols and rites have been taken over by the Catholic Church.

There are a few stories where the scallop symbol of Santiago stands for/came from.
According to one legend, someone was brought back from the dead. Something Santiago and his pagan alter ego did several times. This time he saved a knight who was drowned in the sea. When he came back from the sea, he was covered with shells. Through this construction, the shell is still the symbol of pilgrimage.
The other symbol of Santiago is the sword cross, also known by his Christian name lagarto/lizard, associated with fertility and chastity.

From all these non-Christian symbols and myths Santiago and the pilgrimage arise. He is still the holy guardian who protects us from his horse. the pelgimage Journey stands for somebodies life/personal insight and Santiago will be the protector of this Journey.

best,
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