Pilgrimage Badges Alexandra Ceely** Pilgrimage badges are usually small, metal medallions or brooches with the figures of saints or apostles done in relief. They were originally called signs or ensignes (the French term which is often applied to any type of badge or sewn on medallion). They signified that the pilgrim had completed the journey. There are many types of signs: ampullae, which held sacred water or oils; badges with pins on the back, worn like brooches in a hat or on clothing; badges with holes around the edges so they could be sewn onto clothing; medallions worn around the neck; and little charms that could be hung on a chain or pinned to clothing.
A pilgrimage badge functioned first and foremost as an indicator of the marvels the person had seen. The use of badges began in the 11th century, when a traveler to Jerusalem would receive a red cross of cloth to sew onto his traveling pouch. Or, the pilgrim might receive a palm leaf representing Jesus' entry into the Holy City. During the 12th and 13th centuries, pilgrimage badges came to represent specific sights. A visitor to Rome would see the city's prized relic, the Veil of Veronica, which had the miraculous image of Christ's face on it. The pilgrim might purchase a miniature Veil of Veronica, or "vernicule", a piece of leather with a miniature image of Veronica holding the sacred cloth, with Christ's face prominent. Or he might purchase miniature keys of St.Peter which represented the keys of Rome given to the saint in order to establish the church in that city. The traveler to Santiago de Campostela in northern Spain was privileged enough to wear the sign which became synonymous with pilgrimage: the scallop shell of Galicia.
Page from a Book of Hours showing a multitude of Pilgrimage Badges. A "vernicule" can be seen in the lower left hand corner. ca 1488 Jerusalem, Rome and Campostela were the three most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. The later 12th and 13th centuries saw the rise of Canterbury in England, after the murdered Archbishop Thomas a Becket was beatified. Badges showing him were extremely popular in England. They often showed him wearing his chausable and miter, riding his horse on his return to Canterbury from exile. Shrines to the Virgin Mary sold badges depicting the Madonna and Child, the Anunciation, or a crucifixion scene.
St.Thomas A Becket returning to London. Tin/Lead pilgrimage badge from the mid 14th century. Pilgrimage badges were mass produced and sold to the hundreds of thousands of travelers each year who visited shrines and pilgrimage sites for various reasons, from the completion of a penitential journey to a holiday jaunt in the country. A rich pilgrim to Campostela might purchase a silver gilt scallop shell to wear as a pendant or on a hat. A rather elaborate scallop shell survives, which has a circular image made of jet black stone carved into the image of Santiago on his horse, holding a cross and a sword, with two moors crushed beneath his horse's hooves. This was the image of "Santiago Matamoros", St. James the Moor Killer.Most extant badges, however, are made of tin or lead, inexpensive souvenirs that anyone could afford and bring home as a memento of their trip.
Anunciation pilgrimage badge from Walsingham, first half of the 14th century. Tin/Lead. Badges were often considered the medicine of choice for nearly any ailment. Phials from Canterbury had St. Thomas a Becket's likeness stamped on them, along with the inscription "Optimus aegorum medicus fit Thomas benorum", or "for good people who are sick, Thomas is the best doctor". Badges from Canterbury hung in churches all over England, and were carried to sickbeds in times of crisis. The very touch of such a badge was thought to heal the sick and dying. But not all badges could be holy. Many were made and sold by laymen, outside church authority. In this case, a badge would have to be brought to the custodian of the shrine who would bless the badge after the pilgrim had performed all the proper rites.
The most interesting and puzzling thing about these little metal objects is the location in which most of the extant ones have been found. In the mid 19th century, both the Seine and the Thames were dredged. Hundreds of pilgrimage badges were found in the mud, and almost all of them were found in the vicinity of major bridges. At first, scholars gave little thought to this circumstance, thinking the badges were merely lost by hapless travelers. But, as more badges are uncovered by metal detectors today, a pattern emerges. It has been suggested that they are offerings thrown into the river by returning pilgrims as thanks for a successful journey. This practice has parallels rooted in common belief: i.e., a coin thrown into water in order to make a wish come true.
Ensigne showing the Anunciation. Gold and enamel, ca 1540. Note the loops for sewing the piece onto cloth. In later centuries, pilgrimage badges evolved into the jeweled badges often scene on men's hats in various portraits. These ensignes were made of gold, with a scene done in high relief and covered with enamel and jewels. Scenes included crucifixions, St.George and the Dragon, or the head of John the Baptist. They were worn more often by men, but a woman could wear one (rarely) as a pendant attached to an elaborate chain or string of beads. The popularity of this type of jewel seems to have reached it's peak in the mid-16th century. By the end of the century, very few (if any) were still being made.
POSTSCRIPT: People have asked me where they can buy pilgrimage badges. I have discovered one place that sells them on the internet. It's www.tudorshoppe.com.
**All rights reserved. Copyright 2000 by Alexandra Ceely. Please do not reprint this article without my permission. Bibliography available upon request.
