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That is correct.I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
I asked a few people while I was walking, but no one seemed to know. Most hadn’t even noticed. But in some towns/villages it seemed about half the houses had water bottles sitting outside their front door.
I know I could probably Google it and get the answer, but that seems too easy…
Because it doesn´t work.Water bottles on lawns here in Oz, though you don't see it as often as in the past.
Lots of people in Portugal fill bottles up at local fountainsJust goes to show you. Did my first Camino in April. One pilgrim fountain was near a local free-flowing water source from a hill where a guy was filling up loads of plastic bottles. He said the water was wonderful. (Being the cautious sort, I got my water from the fountain.)
When I saw empty bottles on front stoops, I figured they were there for guys like him to deliver water.
Me too. So thoughtful of the home owners!I love the local custom of hanging fresh, delicious bread on doors too
I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.Ok so it seems the consensus is that it stops dogs from peeing there. It doesn’t, but I guess I’ll have to accept that as the reason for them leaving the bottles there. Let’s just call it a superstition then.
If you ever walk the Portuguese Central (again), about a few miles after Casa daFernanda in the direction of Ponte deLima , you‘ll see a white house at the leftside with a drawing of the Apostle Santiago painted at the wall Many will recognize the house. In front is a bench to rest for a while.I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.
I was unable to stay at Casa Fernanda's in 2019, but a friend of mine had asked me to stop by and tell her hello, which I did. She enthusiastically invited me in for tea, but felt I did not have the time, which I regret. I do not recall the white house down the way, but the hospitality of the Portuguese people must extend quite a distance.If you ever walk the Portuguese Central (again), about a few miles after Casa daFernanda in the direction of Ponte deLima
Unless there was a sign that said "para peregrinos" I would never think that anything next to a private home (or anywhere else) was mine for the taking!I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.
Well I sure enjoyed all the bread!Unless there was a sign that said "para peregrinos" I would never think that anything next to a private home (or anywhere else) was mine for the taking!
What !?!?I don't believe the bread was fpr pilgrims. I believe it was the delivery service of the local bakery providing the residents their daily bread.
Of course you are right. Some posters are referring to this old thread:I don't believe the bread was fpr pilgrims. I believe it was the delivery service of the local bakery providing the residents their daily bread.
Recently I asked my Spanish Camino amiga about those bottles. Yes, to prevent dogs from peeing in the doorways. The bottles used to be filed with a powerful and odorous chemical which did deter the dogs. The toxic chemical has been outlawed but the water bottle custom continues. At least the dogs hit the bottles and not the doorways. And supposedly, older dogs remember the chemical and go elsewhere. Buen CaminoI "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
As a former resident of California, I can say with certainty that you don't need a water bottle to tell you when there is an earthquake or aftershocks!In California nearby L.A. I saw half filled bottles with water inside the houses.
It was for warning the persons for earthshocks and earthquakes . As long as there is nothing wrong the watersurface stands still. If the surface is moving , get out of your house asap .
There is a bread delivery service and they deliver and hang the bag on a handle or fence post, so as to keep the bread off the ground.I love the local custom of hanging fresh, delicious bread on doors too
It’s to ward away the flies. We have them outside our doors and it works!!!!I asked a few people while I was walking, but no one seemed to know. Most hadn’t even noticed. But in some towns/villages it seemed about half the houses had water bottles sitting outside their front door.
I know I could probably Google it and get the answer, but that seems too easy…
The links provided by @SabsP in post #14, indicate that this question is not simply a national one.My guess is that the Spanish ask the same question of other countries.
Thank you for your suggestion. I have no need to refer nor wish to do so. Google is my friend too.The links provided by @SabsP in post #14, indicate that this question is not simply a national one.
Sorry if my post was not helpful. Thank you for posting the link you have found.Thank you for your suggestion. I have no need to refer nor wish to do so. Google is my friend too.
The bottles have a slight leak????Hmmm. Those two water jugs look very refreshing on a hot day.
I notice the sidewalk cracks do look rather "wet"; what does that tell us.
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Yes, just having some rather juvenile amusement to see who'd biteThere is a bread delivery service and they deliver and hang the bag on a handle or fence post, so as to keep the bread off the ground.
And after the sun goes down...?I "think" it's to deter animals from urinating around there (something about the reflection they don't like?) - not 100% sure about that but I'm 100% sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Nothing wrong with throwing some bread in the garden to keep the birds well fed, chirping and happy.Yes, just having some rather juvenile amusement to see who'd bite. Of course the bread is absolutely not for pilgrims (or dogs, for that matter).
Exactly. If you're hell bent on an answer you can always do your own research to find out if there's scientific evidence to back up the claim.And after the sun goes down...?
Still got Garlic hanging on my front door. It works.Exactly. If you're hell bent on an answer you can always do your own research to find out if there's scientific evidence to back up the claim.
Knock on the door and ask them what they are for.I often saw large 1-2L bottles of water next to the entries of homes along the Camino and was told it was for passing pilgrims. Most did not look particularly "fresh" for human consumption and I assumed pilgrims did not really want to trust the water; I sure didn't want to fill up my bottle.
Anyway, I believed that the motive was out of kindness for thirsty pilgrims for a number of years until about a year ago when someone said it was for watering their flower pots, which sounded legit to me. Now I hear it is for deterring dogs from peeing. Someone else mentioned mosquitos.
Not a Marathon?My wife and I first walked the Camino in 2013. Since then, she has a 1L bottle filled with water sitting in front of our mail box. I often see passing dogs peeing on that bottle and walk away with a snicker.
Still got Garlic hanging on my front door. It works.
Haven't seen a vampire yet.
If I knew some Spanish I would have asked.Knock on the door and ask them what they are for.
A good thought, and in looking again at the pictures, you could very well be correct in your observation.I thought those boards at the bottom of doors were for wheelchair access. My youngest son is disabled so I see access through a different lens. Buen Camino
A good thought, and in looking again at the pictures, you could very well be correct in your observation.
I don't see how it can help much against water damage during floods as water seeps in everywhere there is a crack...maybe they caulk around the perimeter...not.Last Camino I asked about these boards leaning up against the doors. I was told it was to stop the bottom of the doors rotting from the rain. I still can't work out how you put them back up once you go inside. Surely not everyone is out. Bit of a give-away that noone is home.
And as you see on all the images..the front doors are all on the same level as the adjoining pathway. Whatever the reason, whether it is to stop water egress or damage or unwanted animal functions it works for them. Some things have a dual purpose.
Interesting! This is the first time I personally have read this particular response, and if posted before I missed it. On my first few Caminos I thought those bottles of water for kind gestures towards pilgrims, but some didn't look fresh.Resurrecting an old thread I know, but I had such a good laugh. The water bottles are not to deter animals from peeing in the corners (how would that work ???) but they are for dog owners, who can use the water bottle to rinse the pee their dogs just left in front of the door. If you own dogs in a city, you will know that they will pee where their smell guides them. So it’s a bit difficult to stop your dog from peeing where he smells others have done before and where he too wants to mark, especially here in Spain where a lot of dogs are just simply roaming around unleashed and sometime without any owner. But it is considered polite and civil to then use the watter bottle the homeowner left in front of his door step to rinse your dog pee afterwards.
do not drink that water! Sometimes it’s been there for days, and might even not be tap water.. we use it to clean in front of our doors, water the plants, and for dog users to clean where their dog peed. With the heat, if not rinsed, the smell gets unbearable very quickly.Interesting! This is the first time I personally have read this particular response, and if posted before I missed it. On my first few Caminos I thought those bottles of water for kind gestures towards pilgrims, but some didn't look fresh.Then I learned on the forum that the bottles were there to deter peeing dogs. Now I learn this and think it may be the best answer of all.
Sir, you are incorrigible....Oh.... it's not for complimenting the 'pilgrim bread' that thoughtful residents leave hanging from their door knobs? What are we supposed to drink with it?
In Oz the bottles need to be upside down for them to work.Because it doesn´t work.
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