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Santiago has been very important to Hispanics for many hundreds of years. Santiago or Saint Iago is actually the apostle James. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Saint James and his apostles went to the Iberian Peninsula and spread the gospel. Many of the people in Spain were eastern people and included many Jews whom were one of the tribes of Israel, whom had left the Holy Land. Saint James went back to the Holy Land where he was martyred. His remains were brought tot theIberian Peninsula for burial. The exact burial place became lost over time. It was found once again when a large light or star shown over a field, causing the excavation resulting in the identification of St. Jame's remains and relic, at what became Santiago de Compostella in northern Spain. (The name compostella was derived from campo estella or star over a field). It became a very important place for pilgrimages, which were made by Christians through France and the Pyrenees, the second most visited holy place next to the Holy Lands. Our people believe that Santiago (St. James the Great) helped the Christians defeat the Moors in battle. In the new world in New Mexico, he is also believed to have helped the conquistadores against the Indians. I have always had primos named after this patron saint. Now I also have a grandchild whom is a James or Santiago. He is a Maestas an old Spanish familia. All of my grandson's antepasados (ancestors) have been here in New Mexico from the time that it was still the Kingdom of Spain. I am proud of our own little Santiago or James, whom is pictured below. I painted a small retablo of Santiago Matamoros (at the top) and I tried to make the cross on the flag correct as that used by the Order of Santiago. Another important symbol or emblem of the peregrinos or pilgrims of Santiago also, is the cockle shell or vieira. (Many of us would also call it la concha de berberecho, o la deSantiago). In the painting the shell hangs from the fisher-of-men's neck. Santiago helps to cure rheumatism and his feast day is July 25th. |
