Camino Words

Censer – an ornamental container or vessel used for burning incense, most often during religious or spiritual ceremonies (also called a thurible).

Botafumeiro – is a famous thurible used at the cathedral in Santiago de Compestela. Its name comes from the Galician language, where botar means “to eject, to throw away, to expel”, and the Latin fume, meaning “smoke”. It is a symbol of both the Cathedral and the City. It is one of the largest censers in the world weighing 80 kg and measuring 1.93 m in height. On important religious occasions it is brought to the floor of the cathedral and attached to a rope hung from a pulley system (under repair in October, 2026)

Santiago de Compostela– Meaning of the Name – The first part of the city’s name translates to “Saint James”. Popular folk etymology suggests “Compostela” comes from the Latin phrase for “field of stars,” linked to the legend that a miraculous star guided the discovery of the tomb of the apostle St. James. Modern scholars and historians believe the name derives from Latin terms meaning a “well-ordered burial ground” or cemetery, referencing ancient Roman graves found at the site.

Albergue: A hostel specifically for pilgrims.

Etapa: A single day’s walking stage.

Flecha Amarilla: The yellow arrow used to mark the trail.

Peregrino: A pilgrim.

Words from my Imagination

Jeepers Creepers – the Camino’s name for the slippers which pilgrims use to move around an albergue at night without waking other pilgrims.

Holy Smokes – my suggestion for the name of any vape shop located near the cathedral in Santiago.

Holy Moly – Alpine Marmots (Marmota Marmota) disappeared from the Pyrenees during the Pleistocene Epoch. They were successfully re-introduced in France in 1948 and have naturally crossed into Spain. This is my suggested name to be given to the first Alpine Marmot seen with a mark on its fur resembling a scallop shell.