11/10/2024
The magic of The swinging of the incense burner, known as the Botafumeiro, in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most iconic and visually striking traditions associated with the Camino de Santiago. It carries both a spiritual and historical significance.
Spiritual and Religious Significance:
1. Symbol of Purification: In Catholic tradition, incense is used as a symbol of purification and sanctification. The rising smoke is seen as a representation of prayers rising to heaven. During the Mass, the Botafumeiro spreads incense throughout the cathedral, symbolizing the offering of prayers and the cleansing of the soul.
2. Honoring Pilgrims: The Camino de Santiago has been a pilgrimage route for centuries, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. The swinging of the Botafumeiro during the Pilgrim’s Mass is a way to honor the pilgrims who have made the journey to Santiago. It serves as a special tribute to their spiritual and physical dedication.
Historical Significance:
1. A Practical Purpose: The origins of the Botafumeiro’s use date back to the Middle Ages, when many pilgrims who arrived in Santiago had been traveling for weeks or months in sometimes unsanitary conditions. The burning of incense helped mask the smell of large crowds gathered in the cathedral, particularly after long, arduous journeys without much opportunity for bathing. In this sense, the incense was a practical way to keep the cathedral smelling pleasant.
2. A Medieval Tradition: The Botafumeiro has been in use for centuries, and it remains one of the cathedral’s most famous and enduring traditions. The current version of the Botafumeiro, made of silver-plated brass, dates back to the 19th century, though the tradition itself is much older.
The Botafumeiro in Action:
• Size and Weight: The Botafumeiro is an enormous incense burner—it weighs around 80 kg (176 pounds) and is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall.
• How It’s Used: During special masses, such as the Pilgrim’s Mass or on feast days, the Botafumeiro is filled with burning incense and then swung from a system of pulleys attached to the ceiling of the cathedral. The device swings from one side of the cathedral to the other, reaching heights of nearly 70 meters (230 feet) and speeds of up to 68 km/h (42 mph).
• The Tiraboleiros: The Botafumeiro is handled by a team of eight men called the tiraboleiros, who pull on ropes to set the Botafumeiro swinging. Their coordination is essential, as they guide the heavy incense burner in its dramatic arc across the transept of the cathedral.
When Is It Used?:
The Botafumeiro is not swung at every Mass. It is traditionally used on special occasions, including:
• Feast days, such as the Feast of Saint James (July 25).
• Important liturgical celebrations or when large groups of pilgrims are present.
• The Pilgrim’s Mass: Though it’s not guaranteed, the Botafumeiro is often swung during the Pilgrim’s Mass held daily at noon, particularly when large groups of pilgrims are present.
