Camino Photo of the Day: Ultreïa!
This sign hangs at the head of the refectory in Conques Abbey. The words are those of the chorus of a medieval pilgrimage song, attested to in the very first guidebook to the Camino, the Codex Calixtinus, written sometime in the 12th Century. The language itself is extinct, though it is related to both modern Catalan and Occitan. Despite this, the song remained. The middle part even became a traditional pilgrim greeting. In the late 20th century, French pilgrim-musician Jean-Claude Benazet wrote French verses for the song, which have endured along the route. I’ve heard this sung throughout France and Spain. You can hear it here.
The chorus:
Ultreïa! Ultreïa! Et suseïa, Deus adjuva nos!
A very rough translation would be something like:
Go further! Go further! And beyond, for God is with us!
And that’s a pretty good sentiment for New Year’s Eve. Happy New Year to all! Ultreïa!
Date: 27 August 2023
Place: Conques, Aveyron Département, Region of Occitanie, France
Maps!
