Jewellery and spiritual gifts with meaning to wish good luck, protection, safekeeping, success and well-being

2023-10-252023-10-27

JEWELLERY CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A good holiday gift idea

Does jewellery make a good Christmas gift? Our jewellery gift ideas for Christmas offer a meaningful alternative to the ‘usual’ Christmas presents because they can have real symbolic significance at this special time of year.

Spiritual and religious jewellery makes an ideal Christmas present for friends and loved-ones who have Christian faith or belief. And, in our SHOP we have a lot of faith jewellery .

Jewellery Christmas present — JEWELLERY for CHRISTMAS

But also, the Christmas holiday season is a time to wish people prosperity, success and good health . . whatever their particular faith or belief; and you can see a range of Christmas Presents in our SHOP featuring jewellery for wellbeing, prosperity and good luck – and to help friends and loved-ones combat any adversity, hardship, misfortune or ill-health in the coming year . . making an ideal Christmas gift with real meaning. In particular, the little Indalo charm is said to be a protector against misfortune and bad luck.

Ring of faith — Gifts with meaning at Christmas

Gift with meaning — Gifts with meaning at Christmas

But is jewellery a good idea as a Christmas gift?

On the occasion of Christmas in the 21st century, presents are often exchanged as a ritual . . sometimes with little reflection on their meaning. But, from a religious point of view (which is, after all, fundamentally how the concept of Christmas began), Christmas gifts can be construed as conveying our love and best wishes to friends and family with a Christian meaning.

Wellbeing gift bracelet to convey best wishes — Jewellery gift ideas for Christmas

Symbolic presents at Christmas — Jewellery gift ideas for Christmas

On the winter solstice (December 23) in the days gone by before Christianity, it was customary for a man to dress up and cover himself in Holly. A woman dressed similarly in Ivy (Holly’s female counterpart). Together they paraded along the streets hand in hand to say Goodbye to the old year and Hello to the new. This symbolic interaction between Goddess and God during the time of decline of nature was intended to guide in the new light of the Sun-God and encourage the growth of fresh and renewed vegetation during the coming year. (Incidentally, today, the Holly King has been stylised by the figure of Santa Claus who is one of the many folklore characters that arise at this time of year, and which have age-old importance and meaning.)

Indalo wellness bracelet — Meaningful Christmas Jewellery Gifts

Wellness gift card — Meaningful Christmas Jewellery Gifts

Stockings used to be hung by the chimney so that Santa (or indeed the ubiquitous Saint Nicholas, the 4th Century Bishop and gift-giver) could throw coins down it – which fell into the stockings. And so, to this day, we put out our stockings in the hope that a similar bit of good fortune will befall us. The door to the house can be left open to allow evil spirits to depart and a candle can be placed in a window to burn all night, guaranteeing good fortune for the home for the next year. In many parts of the world, as the stars come out on the Eve of Christmas, small oil lamps are lit in the house and, after Mass and Christmas dinner, people fill the streets: Some dance to the sound of music; others sing Christmas carols . . although less frequently today.

Holiday gift for strength of purpose — Holiday gifts with Christian meaning

Christianity has adapted many of these old traditions. For example, the door to the house is sometimes left unlocked so that Mary and Joseph can make use of a welcome. Sometimes a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins is left on the table with a jug of milk next to a lit candle. Children in many Catholic households think of the Three Wise Men as bearers of gifts. Tradition says that they arrive on January 6, the date on which the Three Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus. (This is the beginning of the feast of Epiphany.) Shoes are filled with straw and barley for the tired camels (or horses/donkeys) that must carry their passengers through the night. Nowadays, it is common for sweets to be added overnight by the parents, so that, in the morning, the straw and barley (which has miraculously been “eaten” by the animals), has been replaced by delicious sweets.

Mistletoe, another Christmas tradition with a long history (and which, in the Celtic language, means “heals all”), was believed to have all sorts of miraculous qualities, including the power to cure illness, and to banish evil spirits, and so represented good luck. To this day, it is still used at Christmas time to bring good fortune and bestow blessings on those who kiss beneath it.

The Christian jewellery (and particularly Camino jewellery ) in our SHOP is full of significance at this time of year . . said to combat any negativity, worry, anxiety or stress encountered by people of the Christian faith when starting something new or adventurous (like starting out on a new Camino or entering the new year, for example): Founded in the Christian faith and rooted in spiritual belief, our Camino jewellery is intended to promote positivity, optimism and success for those that wear it.

Lourdes bracelet — Gifts with Christian meaning

Lourdes jewellery has meaning — Gifts with Christian meaning

Is jewellery a good holiday gift idea at Christmas?

For centuries, across different cultures around the world, jewellery has had a spiritual and mystical connotation defined by symbols. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our spiritual jewellery, especially Christian faith jewellery . There is a long history of jewellery featuring talismans or charms designed to offer protection from evil, and impart wishes of safekeeping, faith and grace . . and often good health, wealth and good fortune too. Our spiritual jewellery is in line with that tradition.

Many of our religious jewellery pieces such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets, etc, feature symbols based on notable religious beliefs. Because of our close connection with Spain, a great deal of our Christian / Catholic jewellery is from Spain and is hand-crafted by artisans and silversmiths in small workshops across the country: Córdoba, Almería, Malaga, Murcia, Valencia, Galicia and Asturias. Our Camino de Santiago jewellery in particular is significant: Concha Scallop shell necklaces and bracelets, Cruz de Santiago / St James cross pendants, Cruces de Caravaca, Tau crosses, and so on. Of course, we also stock St Christophers, Guardian Angels, Hamsas (hand of Fatima), and simple Christian crosses.

We also stock jewellery amulets which contain water from the spring at Lourdes in France – said by some to unlock the power of faith and hope. The local Church that administers Lourdes says that the water doesn’t appear to have any specific scientific or medical properties . . only the power of faith and prayer.

Christmas is a time to wish people happiness, prosperity, luck and good health . . whatever their faith or beliefs; and you can see Christmas presents in our SHOP comprising jewellery with real meaning.

This can be more secular, non-religious or temporal jewellery like our gemstone jewellery: And we also stock necklaces, bracelets and earrings featuring inspirational charms such as Butterflies, SeaHorses, the Yin-Yang symbol, Dream and Faith tokens, lucky Horseshoes, Shamballa bracelets and so on. In particular, the little Indalo charm is said to be a protector against adversity, hardship, misfortune and ill-health . . and so ideal as a Christmas gift too.

2023-02-112023-04-12

GIFT for CAMINO WALKER: Relieves stress and worry?

Can jewellery intended to help combat negativity, worry and stress make a suitable gift for someone planning to walk El Camino?

With the Junta de Andalucía in southern Spain announcing further development of it’s own Camino routes – Camino del Argar, Camino Mozárabe and Camino al Rocío (see below), the prominence of walking Caminos as a cathartic experience to help purge the soul of life’s troubles, once again comes to the fore.

Founded in Christian faith and rooted in spiritual belief, some of the Camino jewellery in our SHOP has been added to a range of jewellery aimed at people wanting to combat any negativity, anxiety or stress in their lives, especially when starting something new or adventurous (including walking El Camino de Santiago, for example) and to help promote positivity, optimism and success.

Cross necklace gift of faith — Protection jewellery

Camino jewellery gift box — Protection jewellery

So can this jewellery also make a good gift for a Camino walker?

We think so, yes, because much of our jewellery for positivity, optimism and success is interchangeable with our traditional Camino jewellery:

St James cross with scallop shell necklace — Camino inspired gifts – meaningful jewellery

Scallop shell cufflinks — Camino inspired gifts – meaningful jewellery

Jewellery for positivity, optimism and success

The designs of our necklaces, bracelets and earrings are based on the principles of faith and belief . . the belief that one’s goals are achievable, whatever they are: It is jewellery with meaning. Nowhere is this feeling of belief and achievability more powerful than amongst the community of walkers (and bikers) who travel “El Camino de Santiago” (the Way of St. James) every year . . fired up by the dream and the enthusiasm for reaching their goal.

Santiago de Compostela goal of walkers — Along the Camino – walking to Santiago

Many Camino travellers have a strong Christian faith but, in recent decades, that Christian faith, once so common amongst Camino walkers, has given way somewhat to a more secular approach: Indeed nowadays, people choose to do a Camino as much for personal reasons, as for any religious reason: They decide to take time out of their busy modern life and perhaps look for something a bit different, in the hope perhaps, of finding inspiration or spiritual enlightenment as they journey along: They are able to reflect on their life whilst in the supportive environment of their Camino. No doubt they hope to improve their outlook on life and bring themselves closer into contact with nature – whilst expanding their cultural horizons through contact with other walkers.

Bracelet to protect against ill health — Secular or Christian travel with Camino shell

Sunset on El Camino de Santiago — Secular or Christian travel with Camino shell

Many of these so-called ‘pilgrims’ on the Way of Saint James carry the Scallop Shell symbol of El Camino de Santiago as a token, a charm, a keepsake . . or on a piece of jewellery. Others (perhaps a bit more “religious” ) wear a Cross of St James.

The shell has great significance in jewellery: It symbolises strength, commitment and determination. In this sense, it has special meaning to millions of people, and is commonly used by individuals to help them feel more confident about themselves.

The Cross of Saint James, according to many Spaniards, “es un símbolo que favorece el coraje y la esperanza ante las dificultades” [a symbol that favours courage and hope in the face of difficulties] . . promoting both faith and good fortune, as well as strength and hope.

Some 200,000 pilgrims travel El Camino de Santiago every year from all over the world to find inspiration and/or deeper spiritual understanding. Many of them carry one of these symbols and everyone experiences the journey in a different way.

Camino gift ideas

But whatever somebody’s journey – whether on El Camino itself, a business trip, a gap year, trekking, etc, (or perhaps merely the “journey” through life in general), many people like to carry a symbolic charm or piece of jewellery to encourage them and give them belief – as well as, in their minds, to protect them. Studies have shown that symbolic tokens and charms can boost people’s confidence, with many admitting there’s power in a thought made positive by meaningful charms such as these – being a constant reminder of purpose and desires: In addition to any value that these symbols have in themselves, or the religious faith that they might represent, symbolic and meaningful jewellery such as this can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling: And this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home too.

Buy Camino de Santiago souvenirs and gifts online

Much of our jewellery is hand-crafted in Galicia, close to El Camino de Santiago. It would make an ideal gift for any special event / occasion, but particularly for someone starting out on a new adventure in life – like walking a Camino, or even starting a new job, travelling afar or beginning retirement.

What to buy a Camino walker – Faith Jewellery?

There are many “caminos” or “walks” in the world but the Spanish “Way of St James” is probably the most famous, along with the Islamic Hajj to Mecca. We have a complete range of Camino jewellery in our SHOP online.

Here is a bit of information about some of the less well known “Caminos” in Spain that are currently in the news: Camino del Argar, Camino Mozárabe and Destino Rocío:

El Camino del Argar

El Camino del Argar is a rather obscure (arduous and long) route from southern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the north. It starts at the Cathedral of Almería in Andalucía from whence it traverses the entire Iberian Peninsula, initially via Cabo de Gata and along the south coast before heading inland and north-west. It passes through places such as San José, Rosalquilar, Las Negras, Carboneras, Mojácar, Garrucha, Vera, Cuevas de Almanzora and on through to Huércal Overa and Lorca before heading north up through Murcia to Almendricos, Albacete and along the Camino de Levante.

From Mora (Toledo) it’s main route then circumvents Madrid and joins the Vía de la Plata in Zamora north-west of the Spanish capital before finally heading into Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. In total, the Camino del Argar is about 1,500 Km. It is named Camino del Argar after an early Bronze Age settlement/culture “El Argar” which was based around the small town of Antas in Almería in eastern Andalucía. The community was active from about 2200 to 1500 BC and was renowned for its pottery and metallurgical techniques.

El Camino Mozárabe

The Camino de Santiago Mozárabe (also known as the Camino de Santiago Sanabrés) arose in the Middle Ages linking the important ports of Al-Andalus with some of the larger cities on the western side of Spain such as Córdoba and Mérida. These days, the paths between Almería and Granada are signposted and have some infrastructure for pilgrims / walkers along the way. But other parts of the route are less well marked until one reaches the Via de la Plata.

Starting on the Mediterranean coast in Almería it follows the chain of valleys of the Andarax and Nacimiento rivers to Guadix and thence to Granada along the old Roman and Muslim roads that linked these two cities taking in the terraces of the Alpujarras and parts of the Sierra Nevada. It is a strenuous route over the mountains before dropping down to Córdoba but from there to Mérida it is more relaxed. Nonetheless, it is a very long Camino indeed, crossing the whole of the Spanish peninsular south to north.

El Camino al Rocío

El Rocío is a village located 15 km from Almonte in the province of Huelva, Andalucía (Spain). The Rocío Pilgrimage (known as Romería de El Rocío or more simply “El Rocío”) is an age-old tradition of travelling early summer to the church of La Virgen del Rocio in the village of El Rocío in honour of “La Virgen” (whose image was believed to have been witnessed at this location in the 15th Century, and is now represented in the “Ermita de Sancta María de las Rocinas – or Ermita de El Rocío). The Romería brings together roughly one million pilgrims every year.

This fervent event which is best described as somewhere between religion and folklore, takes place on the second day of Pentecost (May or June – depending on the year) but the build-up to it (and the journey) can take weeks with many people travelling in horse-drawn carts from far away with singing and dancing round the camp fires every night. The festival dates from 1653, when the Virgin of Las Rocinas was appointed patron Saint of Almonte.

Ayamonte, Huelva, Sevilla, Jeréz, Gibraltar, Malaga

Expanding on this tradition of travelling to the church of La Virgen del Rocio, the newly-envisaged Camino al Rocío or Destino Rocío has been called El Camino de Santiago ‘Andalucian style’. However, it has little to do with Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain – but is nonetheless a ‘religious’ Camino.

There are eight different routes connecting the eight provinces of Andalucía with this devotional focus located in Huelva.
The Almería route (officially called ‘Ruta Nazarí’) has two starting points: One from Cabo de Gata (close to the capital Almería city itself) and another from Los Vélez towards Baza. They both meet up in Guadix and, from there, the path goes through Granada, Antequera, Ronda, Arcos, Jerez de la Frontera, and Sanlúcar to cross the Guadalquivir river, and through the great park of Doñana to reach the village of El Rocío. [Other Andalusian routes are: The Olive Grove Route (which begins in the Sierra de Cazorla); the Sierra Morena Route (which starts in Las Navas, Jaén); the Valle de los Pedroches Route (from Pozoblanco); the Aguardiente Route (from Belalcázar); the Silver Route, the Ham and Fandango Route (from the Sierra de Aracena) and the Gibraltar Route (from Algeciras)].

It is hoped that this new Camino al Rocío or “Destino Rocío”, will have a wide network of signposted paths – in the simple ‘yellow arrow’ style that guides pilgrims to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela along the more traditional “Way of St James” to the north.

What to buy a Camino walker – Faith jewellery?

See Faith Jewellery and Camino gift ideas in our shop that could be ideal:

Click the JEWELLERY CATEGORY you want:

Necklaces: Gold + Silver + pendants

Inspirational bracelets of faith

Earrings + Cufflinks

Necklaces: Glass / Lourdes

Necklaces: Costume / Pewter / Steel

Necklaces: Gemstone

Jewellery for Confidence

2020-03-132020-03-15

NEWS – CAMINO CANCELLED for CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

Trip cancelled? Help friends and loved-ones keep the dream of walking El Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) alive

The Spanish Government has announced major measures against the Coronavirus which will impact heavily on those planning or wishing to walk El Camino de Santiago this year. And, in effect, at the moment, El Camino is closed.

Camino de Santiago closed?

In consequence of the spread of this COVID-19 virus, the hostels, albergues and other shelters along much and many parts of the Camino de Santiago are closed – as indeed is the Cathedral de Santiago itself, and the associated Pilgrim Office.

But most pilgrims and other travellers are keeping their faith and planning to achieve their goal of doing a Camino – and friend / relatives are busy consoling them and wishing them good luck in achieving their goal at a future date.

If anyone wants to send a small gift of condolence to a friend or loved-one who has had to cancel their long-planned Camino, we offer some little items in our shop online that could perhaps help them to keep the dream alive .

There is no escaping the fact that, even if someone is still intending to travel along Spain’s famous Way of St James, it would be extremely difficult at the moment – if not actually impossible. At the very least, the spread of COVID-19 over the Iberian Peninsular is causing a distinct lack of support services such as accommodation, as well as the issue of personal and community or social health and wellbeing.

Coronavirus has closed the Camino — Shattered dreams? Cortesía de la Oficina de Correos

Considerable alarm has now overcome the country, and especially in the northern regions of Spain which traditionally attract foreign visitors onto the Camino at this time of year (peaking after Easter) from all parts of the globe.

The overall situation will be reviewed again at the end of March – but things are unlikely to improve because the virus will not have run its full course – according to the experts. In fact, it could be at its height in April.

Pilgrims and other travellers or walkers who want more information about the feasibility of a journey along all the different routes should check with regional offices. (The Spanish health system’s Twitter accounts are also a good source of information).

Disappointment for Camino travellers – and Spanish hosteleros

To say that the Spanish are sad about the inconvenience this has caused to the pilgrims who are currently travelling (or who had planned to travel on a trip in the future) is an understatement.

And of course, the travellers or pilgrims themselves are also very upset by this latest news but, judging by the forums online, people are taking the news with some stoicism, realising that the decision has been taken for their own (as well as others’) safety.

Travelling Camino de Santiago — Empty Camino – Coronavirus has killed this famous route for early 2020

Much of the infrastructure of the Camino routes is being shut down and attempting to walk using the traditional routes would now be almost impossible. In effect, all such journeys are cancelled at the moment.

FICS issues official warning

FICS – La Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago issued an official notice on Thursday 12th March stating that “in the face of the recent events of the Coronavirus, and also of the responsibility we have to our pilgrims and volunteers, we advise all pilgrims not to undertake the Jacobean pilgrimage at the moment nor until the situation is normalised . . and to heed the warnings of the health authorities without question.”

On Saturday 14th March, the Spanish Government went a stage further by limiting the circulation or the presence of persons or vehicles at certain times and in certain places and limiting or rationing the use of services or the consumption of essential items. This is, in a word, lockdown, as we have already witnessed in Italy.

In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to the regions that the Spanish Ministry of Health has designated as an area of community transmission of the Coronavirus.

The famous Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is now officially closed, as is the attendant Pilgrim’s Office, and those arriving to receive their Credencial are being asked to leave a completed application form in a box outside. Cathedral Mass in English has been suspended until the Pilgrims’ Centre re-opens . . and nobody knows when that will be.

Keep the Camino dream alive

On a more positive note, many of the comments on the forums (in particular the caminodesantiago.me run by Ivar), have been more upbeat:

“Santiago will still be there in a couple of months!” says another.
“This is not a disaster, disappointing sure, and inconvenient, but this too will pass. Santiago will wait”
“The Camino isn’t going anywhere, it will be here waiting for a better time to walk.”
The Camino has existed for over a thousand years and will still be waiting for us in years to come.

But disappointment is palpable too: “I read this (news) with a very heavy heart as the older I get the less time I have to wait!” said one commentator.

Camino de Santiago Arrow symbol bracelet

I read this news with a very heavy heart as the older I get the less time I have to wait

2019-10-092022-05-17

CHRISTMAS on the CAMINO

Walking El Camino de Santiago in winter – and giving Camino gifts at Christmas

The gift of Christmas on the Camino? To many, Christmas and Camino are two separate entities: No one in their right mind would consider walking El Camino at Christmas, right? “Bueno” . . as they say in Spain, “nada es imposible”. No doubt, the most popular time of year to walk the Camino de Santiago is between Spring to Autumn. But winter walkers are on the up and increasingly we see people asking about walking El Camino at Christmas . . and even planning to arrive in Santiago de Compostela on Christmas Day (or Christmas Eve).

But Christmas also means gifts – for friends, family / loved-ones. And what better gift to give a fan of the Camino than a little present from Galicia, Santiago, Asturias . . or somewhere else along this famous route: Perhaps a little memento or souvenir relating to this epic journey / pilgrimage – or simply a “good luck and best wishes” type of present.

See our CAMINO de SANTIAGO gift shop online

A winter trip on Spain’s Camino over the Christmas period can be an exhilarating experience . . especially if you plan to arrive in Santiago de Compostela on Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day). But there are things to consider that are different from planning a normal Camino trip:

The weather in winter on El Camino:

This is the most important factor: Weather in Northern Spain, particularly in Galicia, is uncertain even in summer! The dreaded rain which can dampen the spirits of even the most ardent Camino traveller is quite common in Galicia and Asturias.

Having said that, travelling in winter can have its advantages in this respect too: Some of the landscapes can be spectacular in their winter shroud: The Meseta in particular can make for a stunning and enthralling backdrop at any time of year, but in winter it can be dramatic and breathtaking.

Winter weather on Camino — Cortesia Rodelar – La Meseta en invierno: Not for the faint-hearted walker!

The Meseta or Inner Plateau of Spain is the high plain of central Spain – it is large and expansive, flat and vast: It’s in the heart of the Iberian peninsular, and ranges from 610 to 760m in height and is surrounded by mountains. From the Camino point of view, the Meseta is always an “experience”. The Camino Frances traverses the northern part of the Meseta for over 200km, and in winter it can be windswept and cold, wet and miserable for walkers.

So this leads on to the next consideration:

The route – which Camino to choose (after all, there are several):

People considering travelling the famous Way of Saint James are aware of the different routes that make up the so-called “Camino”: They have to choose one to suit themselves, and through which parts of Spain, France and/or Portugal they want to walk, hike or bike into Santiago de Compostela. We have 7 or 8 main options: Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo (the original or Primitive Way), Via de Plata (the Silver Way), Camino Finisterre-Muxía, Camino Inglés (the English Way), and Camino Invierno (the Winter Camino).

Camino Sanabres

Camino Primitivo

Camino Portugues

Camino Norte

Camino Mozarabe

Camino Invierno

Camino Ingles

Camino Frances

Camino Finisterra

Courtesy CORREOS (see below)

But which is going to be most suitable Camino to do in winter?

The Via de la Plata route travels through the western part of the Meseta for around 180km. In winter, it can be snowy. Yes . . snow! In winter you will encounter snow on many of the Camino routes and/or stages of those routes. Perhaps a small amount of snow is acceptable, but there can be danger too after heavy snow falls or when it drifts in the wind. At the very least, you will need to avoid any mountainous areas like the Pyrenees or O Cebreiro. In fact, for this reason alone, many of the ‘etápas’ (sections or stages) of the various Caminos are actually CLOSED in the winter. In fact, a great many things along the Camino route are closed in winter.

So this leads to another factor to consider:

Accommodation along the Camino de Santiago in winter

Spain’s Post Office ( CORREOS ) has a great website to help travellers along El Camino – offering advice on accommodation, safety and their own services to help transport extra luggage and backpacks which can be especially helpful in the somewhat rougher winter months.

They say that when the number of pilgrims fall in the winter months (and especially around Christmas), many hostels on the Camino decide to close their doors. And, as ‘Navidad’ in Spain is celebrated through until Los Reyes Magos (The Kings) on 6th January, the Christmas inactivity can be extensive. This might be a problem for those winter pilgrims who, not planning ahead or without prior knowledge, are not prepared, especially considering that they will be facing the cold, rain and, at many times, snow. Luckily, Correos keeps an updated list of hostels that remain open during this period. Of course, however prepared you are, it is always recommended to contact the hostels first, to avoid any problems. You can find the telephone numbers of each hostel at each stage of every Camino on the CORREOS WEBSITE . There is little problem finding accommodation in the bigger towns like Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol or Vigo, but in the small rural and isolated areas, where accommodation is limited, yes, it can be tricky.

So this brings us to:

The sheer feasibility of doing the Camino in winter as regards personal fitness, carrying your stuff and avoiding the mud!

It can be lonely and at times bleak in northern Spain in winter: In Bierzo, for example, it can be very harsh. But in general, winter walkers are not out to punish themselves . . and so during this time of year it is acceptable to get help along the way. For example, CORREOS offer a service to transfer your luggage / rucksack day by day at all times of year. This costs around 4 Euros per stage.

This has not always been the case: In years gone by, devout pilgrims would set out to travel the Camino as a form of penance or atonement. Some were even sent to do just that, as punishment for their sins. But these days, there are other ways to lessen the burden of a winter Camino – like occasionally catching a bus!!! (past the really bad bits), or getting Correos to transport some of your luggage from place to place at the start of each day. In general, their services continue as usual, except that in some cases they are limited in terms of geographical coverage or hours open to the public. Once again, the website has details.

They also offer a locker service in Santiago de Compostela (the ideal location to leave your backpack before visiting because of its proximity to the Cathedral). This remains open from Monday to Friday with the same hours as the rest of the year. The only change to this service is that Saturdays it will be open from 9:30 to 13:00, while closing on Sundays and holidays.

So, in conclusion . .

Which Camino de Santiago route is best in Winter?

The general consensus is that travelling from Sarria into Santiago de Compostela would be a good option. It is about 100km into the capital. You could walk a few of the sections before Sarria but you would have to avoid the most mountainous area around O Cebreiro. This is part of the Winter Way (or Camino de Invierno) from Ponferrada which used to be used in centuries past by those seeking to escape the ‘real’ world. It is also part of the French Way. You will probably experience a very quiet trip at this time of year – but with amazing landscapes, especially as you enter Galicia through the winter vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra. Alternatively, you could start a bit further south at Monforte de Lemos.

Christmas in Santiago Cathedral with the great botafumeiro, marked with the cross of St James

Either way, at Christmas time, this will be a special experience and you will be able to spot many wonderful Nativity scenes or Beléns in the villages, hostels and bars that you encounter.

Finally, we come to OUR part in this whole story:

Camino Christmas gifts

At this time of year we start to see enquiries and orders for Christmas Camino gifts. Although we cannot offer gifts of a trip on the Camino (or even gift tokens), we can certainly offer great suggestions for Camino Christmas presents.

See some Joyas del CAMINO de SANTIAGO JEWELLERY in our gift shop online

Every year we see what is popular, and we see some of the special messages people send to each other relating to their Caminos – or wishing them well on a future trip. Many people like to give Camino-related Christmas gifts to friends and loved-ones for a journey that they are planning in the forthcoming year: And the journey is not always related to El Camino de Santiago itself. We find people giving Camino gifts (particularly Camino Jewellery – Joyas del Camino) for loved-ones going on a Gap Year for example, a holiday trekking in the Far East, or even to someone going on a business trip. The fame of Spain’s Camino is worldwide and the related souvenirs have significance to travellers the world over . . especially to wish safe travels. In particular, jewellery that features the Cross of St James, la vieira concha Scallop Shell symbol, the Waymarker sign and the Tau Cross (all available in our shop online), are the most popular.

Clearly, no self-respecting Camino travellers (especially walkers and bikers) want to be burdened on their actual Camino de Santiago with anything large or heavy or difficult to carry, but we can offer small items (especially Camino jewellery like earrings, necklaces and bracelets) that are suitable. Failing that, we can also supply items that are meant as souvenirs or mementos of someone’s actual Camino trip / journey – a reminder perhaps of the journey they undertook. We also stock a range of other items that are suitable as Christmas presents for someone who is PLANNING to walk the Camino de Santiago in the future – in particular, gifts that have a “Safe Travels” theme, religious and Christian items that say “Have a good trip”, Good luck on your journey”, “Buen Camino” and so on, even if only in a symbolic way.

Travellers safety whistle gold — One of our travellers safety whistles – a loud whistle engraved with the Travellers Cross

These are Camino Christmas gifts with real meaning and many are actually hand-crafted by goldsmiths and silver-working artisans in Galicia and Asturias.

Our gift shop was established in Spain over 10 years ago (and we now have an online store based in the UK too) . . .

See our gift shop for Camino CHRISTMAS PRESENTS .

Looking for a Christmas gift for a fan of el Camino de Santiago? Please look in our Christmas Camino shop online.

2019-09-202019-09-26

Why GIFT a good LUCK symbol IN GOLD?

Compelling reasons to give one of our SYMBOLIC gold gifts to wish good luck

Gold is said to be perfection and eternity. It is extravagant and it has worth. Gold is also light, life, radiance and health. Gold is power. Gold signifies achievement and triumph: It is the colour of a winner. It has prestige.

Gold jewelry gift for husband St James cross

Gold gifts

So, why NOT gift a present made out of gold? Especially gold jewellery that has symbolic significance. Hint: Usually, it is because of the price! But not all gold is expensive. For example, please take a look at some of our gold jewellery pieces from Spain that could be suitable as a gift to wish good fortune to a friend or loved-one . . we have the more expensive 18k gold – but also the less expensive gold-FILLED pieces.

Gold jewellery: Necklaces, earrings and bracelets

You can see them here in the GOLD JEWELLERY section of our online store:

Gold necklace gift scallop shell necklace

What is Gold-Filled? Is Gold-Filled the same as Gold-Plated / Vermeil?

No, it is much better: Gold-Filled is a layer of solid gold, pressure-bonded into another metal (in our case 925 sterling silver). Whereas Gold-Plating is a very thin layer of gold that is ‘plated’ onto the surface of a variety of other metals. (Vermeil just means that the plated item is made of silver: Nothing more; it is still just Gold-Plated.) So, Gold-Filled has a much higher value than simple Gold-Plating or Vermeil because it contains a much greater quantity of gold; and is of higher quality because of the way that gold is included: Once termed “Rolled-Gold” it has a long history – although the modern process wasn’t patented until Victorian times in England. It is much more precious and tarnish-resistant than Gold-Plated / Vermeil: It does not rub off or flake or change colour. BUT, it is not pure gold, and so is less-costly than say 18 carat gold.

Historically, gold was said to be “divine” – and it has been indicative or symbolic of the journey of the soul into spirituality and deep understanding. It has been called the gift of the Magi and ancient cultures believed that it worked magic on the recipient: It could do whatever you asked of it. So, in that sense alone, a gift of gold is a present with true meaning or significance. Gold jewellery is (and always will be) something really special.

SEE our SHOP for GOLD JEWELLERY and other symbolic jewellery pieces to pass on your best wishes to a friend or loved-one

8 compelling reasons to give one of our SYMBOLIC gold gifts to wish a friend or loved-one good fortune:

– Everyone knows that gold is very special (although our online shop also stocks beautiful silver pieces too!)

– Some of the gold jewellery necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets are limited and rare pieces that can no longer be sourced

– They all have real significance

– Many are intricately-crafted by hand in the workshops of Galicia, Asturias, Córdoba, and Almería in Spain

– Many feature Spain’s renowned symbol of good luck and protection, the Indalo

– Others focus on the symbols of El Camino de Santiago

– They are all timeless treasures

– Any single one would add a sophisticated and radiant shine to any outfit

SEE our SHOP for GOLD JEWELLERY and other symbolic jewellery pieces to pass on your best wishes to a friend or loved-one

Yes, gold is sophistication; it is elegance and status.

Gold gifts for her – and him

It is said that gold represents the masculine energy that comes from the sun (as opposed to the feminine energy and sensitivity of the silver moon). Gold lights up and enhances everything around it – it attracts attention. Yes . . gold jewellery as a gift, is still something really special . . a gift of gold is not something ‘cheap’. If you can, just for the moment, forget the cost and think more about the value.

Gold gift for 50th wedding anniversary Damascene heart

Wedding anniversary Indalo heart pendant

Gold gift anniversay present shell and pearl

Gold gifts for 50th wedding anniversary

Golden jewellery is for love and commitment too: It is the symbol of the 50th wedding anniversary.

But overall, gold jewellery is (and always will be) something really special. It makes jewellery with meaning and a present from the heart for the one you love.

Gold jewellery is, and always will be, something special. Our gold jewellery from Spain could be suitable as a unique gift to pass on best wishes to a friend or loved-one