Image and Pilgramage 2

"Pilgrimage, then has some of the attributes of liminality in passage rites: release from mundane structure; homogenization of status; simplicity of dress and behavior; communitas; ordeal; reflection on the meaning of basic religious and cultural values" (Turner 34). I think that this quote covers the majority of the attributes of pilgrimage that we have been discussing in class to this point, and this only encompasses about a third of the quote. First, it references liminality of passage rights, which I think is a relatively obvious feature of pilgrimage. Secondly, release from the mundane structure of life which I think is very difficult for members of Western society, as they struggle to see life further than what they experience on a day to day basis. Next, homogenization of status, an attribute most difficult for us men who think we are much more than we actually are, and simplicity of dress, which is probably harder for the opposite sex. Communitas is a natural feature as many people are on a spiritual journey and searching for meaning as well as ordeal. Lastly, I believe that reflection is the all important and necessary element. If there is no earnest reflection, then there is no growth, and thus the pilgrimage will become nothing more than a wast of time.

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