As early as the 8th century the custom prevailed of making devotional journey to the shrine of Saint James the Greater, at Compostela, Spain. The habit of carrying home scallop shells from Galicia as proof of the journey, extended to other pilgrimages until this shell became, not only the symbol of Saint James, but also of pilgrims. Boys of London may still be seen building grottos of oyster shells on August 5, formerly the feast of Saint James. The pilgrimage was frequently made in expiation of sin.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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