Pilgrim staff

Saint James with a pilgrim's staff

A pilgrim's staff, also called Jacob's staff in a Christian context , is a chest-to-head-high walking stick that is often used by pilgrims of different religions. The traditional Jacob's staff is provided with an iron point and a spherical carved or twisted thickening at the upper end and another thickening at chest level that serves as a hand rest.

In addition to the pilgrim's hat and the pilgrim's bag (and the pilgrim shell of the St. James pilgrims), the stick is an externally visible sign of pilgrimage. It was presented to pilgrims during the pilgrimage in the Middle Ages . In the pilgrimage guide of the Book of Jacob from the 12th century, it is referred to as the pilgrim's “third foot”, which symbolizes the Trinity and is supposed to give the pilgrim (also spiritual) support. The use of the staff as a weapon against muggers and dogs is also reported. In heraldry , the pilgrim's staff is a common figure .

James the Elder , the patron saint of pilgrims, is often depicted with a pilgrim's staff.