The Oca is not immune to classic reminiscences and for this very reason it has become the symbol of military valor (the geese of Campidoglio). But if we bear in mind Asian traditions, the goose symbolizes the highest point of a metaphysical zenith expressed by the wild goose both in India (as well as the swan) and in China. For the Egyptians, sacrificing geese in the temple was a way of communicating with the Gods.
It has the title "Nobile" for the military valor shown by its soldiers in the many battles fought, one of which was the battle of Montemaggio fought against the Florentines in 1145. 365 of its soldiers fought in the battle of Montaperti and the title "Governatora" (Governor) was conferred on it for valor shown. The title of "Governatore" is still used as opposed lo "Priore". In keeping with such brilliant military feats, the people of the Contrada earned the right lo wear a sword and enjoy immunity from the Courts of Justice without first having to obtain the permission of the "Governatore". The considerable contribution of the younger members of the Contrada during Siena's last war (1552-1555) was often mentioned in contemporary literature.
The Patron Saint is Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). Its Seal is in via Santa Caterina (once called via della Pancaccia), in the popular area of Fontebranda where the Patron Saint of Italy was born.
This Contrada preserves an extremely rich patrimony in furnishings and ornaments, paintings and sculptures, one of which is the wooden statue (1474) of Saint Catherine by Neroccio di Barlolomeo Landi (1447-1500).
The Grand Duke, Leopold II and his consort, their Royal Highnesses Umberto I and Margherite of Italy, Pope Pius IX in 1957 and Pope John Paul II in 1980 have all visited the Sanctuary and the Seal of the Contrada.
Giovanni Bernardino di Costanzo who rose to the papal throne in 523, under the name John I, Pietro dell'Oca who died in 1302 and was subsequently beatified, Bernardino Tommasini, nick-named "Ochino" (1487-1564), the famous preacher and reformer and therefore accused of heresy and the Venerable Mother Passitea Brogi, founder of the Cappucin Order all lived on the territory of this Contrada.
The "Socielà" is called "Trieste" and is dedicated to the city of Trieste which was redeemed in World War I.