'Camino de Santiago' Kula Cloth®

Each year, tens of thousands of humans walk the Camino de Santiago, or 'Walk of St. James' -- a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a city in Spain where it is reported that St. James was buried.  While there are numerous routes to complete the journey... it is said that the pilgrimage begins the moment that you leave your home to embark upon the adventure. Or, perhaps, you have been on the path all along.  

Along the route, the iconic mark of the scallop shell (known as a 'vieira' in Galacian or Spanish), serves as a trailblaze to walking pilgrims.  

In the years that Kula Cloth has existed, we have been told numerous times that there is a tremendous 'toilet paper problem' on the Camino de Santiago -- tales of 'toilet paper blooms' are, unfortunately, extremely common. We've received dozens and dozens of messages telling us that we need to find a way to share better hygiene practices with other travelers who complete this route.

Inspired by these messages -- and inspired by a desire to protect this sacred walk which is so special to so many people -- we created our very own yellow-scallop shell Kula Cloth. 

If you are walking the Camino, or if you know somebody who is, I hope that this yellow scallop can be not only a beautiful symbol of your pilgrimage, but also a symbol of your commitment to persevering these beautiful spaces for generations to come.  

Finally, I'll share a beautiful prayer that was meant for pilgrims on the Camino:

Guard these your children who, for the love of your Name,
make a pilgrimage to Compostela.

Be their companion on the way,
their guide at the crossroads,
their strength in weariness,
their defense in dangers,
their shelter on the path,
their shade in the heat,
their light in the darkness,
their comfort in discouragement,
and the firmness of their intentions;

that through your guidance,
they may arrive safely at the end of their journey and,
enriched with grace and virtue,
may return to their homes
filled with salutary and lasting joy.

Our Camino de Santiago Kula Cloth is original art, designed by our unbelievably wonderful and talented creative director, Amanda McIntyre.