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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.
Because it doesn´t work.
Lots of people in Portugal fill bottles up at local fountains
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.
www.laregion.es
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.
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.
What !?!?
Of course you are right. Some posters are referring to this old thread:
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!
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!!!!
The two bottles in the picture above have their caps on.
The links provided by @SabsP in post #14, indicate that this question is not simply a national one.
Thank you for your suggestion. I have no need to refer nor wish to do so. Google is my friend too.
Sorry if my post was not helpful. Thank you for posting the link you have found.
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 bite
. Of course the bread is absolutely not for pilgrims (or dogs, for that matter).
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
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.
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?
If I knew some Spanish I would have asked.
I think that these might be more effective.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.
Very enjoyable thread. I love it when we speculate not knowing the answer, and we kind of get to the bottom of things. Harkens back to the halcyon days before the mobile phone. And we get to do this all day on the Camino.
A good thought, and in looking again at the pictures, you could very well be correct in your observation.
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.
They don't,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.
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.
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.
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.
Sir, you are incorrigible....
In Oz the bottles need to be upside down for them to work.
