Letters from G and L... part 3.

Santo Domingo and the 2 chickens

Hi we have arrived in Ages today and it has been a long walk once again. 28 kilometres is more than I care to do on a regular basis but not impossible. Well we were in Santo Domingo and there we bumped into a rather odd scenerio. We went to visit the local church and just above the altar they keep 2 chickens in a large cage. Well that got my interest up as why keep chickens in a church. We had met up with an englishman who had been living in Spain since 26 years and I asked him about the chickens above the altar. This is the story of Santo Domingo and the chickens.

This is naturally a legend. The story goes like this.

There was a boy who had been accused of having his way with a young woman. I am not sure if he raped her or not. There was not enough evidence to prosecute this boy anyway. Santo Domingo at this stage had not been recognised as a santo as he had not performed any miracles as yet. Santo Domingo felt sorry for this boy as this crime was punished with death. The prosecutor and Santo Domingo were about to have a meal of roasted chicken (a rooster) and the prosecutor said that if Santo Domingo could bring the rooster back to live and make it crow, he would release the boy and set him free. Well you can just imagine Santo Domingo brought the rooster back to live and made him crow. And now 2 chickens must be in the cage at the cathedral in Santo Domingo to protect the church from bad luck and in memory of Santo Domingo.

One more thing about the chickens, if you make a donation to the church and the rooster crows your money will be multiplies threefold. (that is your entire income by the way).

I also asked him why the 2 chickens, as only 1 is being mentioned in the legend. His reply was to keep the rooster company. The other chook is a hen.

Just for all of you who believe we are freezing, it has not been all that bad as we brought plenty of clothing to keep warm. We have only had 4 cold days the rest have been absolutely lovely. I am not burned for no reason. The only problem coming this early on in the season is that not all alberques are open yet but we are having the best time ever.

Anyway lots of love from L and G.



I only have one thing to say, and I know that I've said it before... I'm jealous.

:o)
Phoenix.