Beast

Scallop


Latin name: Pectines
Category: Fish

Symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

General Attributes

The scallop is found in some medieval encyclopedias. It is a shellfish that cannot endure great cold or great heat. To this Thomas of Cantimpré added that its claws glow like fire, even in the mouth of person who is eating them. This is from Pliny the Elder, who was actually describing a different shellfish, the piddock.

Heraldry

The scallop shell was used in heraldry to indicate that the person had gone on a pilgrimage.

Reality

The scallop shell was the symbol of those who made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in honor of Saint James. It became the symbol of pilgrimage in general.