My Cruz de Ferro Stone

One of the things that pilgrims traditionally take with them on Camino is a stone, and this stone is normally taken from home. The idea is that you leave the stone at an iron cross called the Cruz de Ferro along the route of the Camino Francés.

So I was wondering where to find a stone around our house, and as I was getting ready to leave, I was rummaging around amongst the flowers in the backyard and I came across the perfect stone.

My Cruz de Ferro Stone

It looks like it’s been in our garden since the house was built, and looked very weathered. And most importantly, it’s very small. This of course, will reduce the weight in my backpack.

NOTE. The tradition of pilgrims leaving a stone at the Cruz de Ferro was originally a very religious one and the purpose was to say a prayer at the Iron Cross and leaving the stone behind was very symbolic in that you were really leaving behind all your sins.

More recently, the tradition has been built on in that it’s a recognition of leaving behind not only the sins that pilgrims carry but also other burdens in their life.

If I manage to get as far as the Cruz de Ferro, I’m sure that will be one of the many highlights of the walk and a very emotional one.

The Traditional Pilgrims Prayer

‘Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross, weigh the balance in favour of my good deeds some day when the deeds of my life are judged. let it be so.’