Popularity can Ruin a Sacred Place (Image & Pilgrimage)

Nov 22 2017
The experience an individual has with a sacred place is greatly affected by the surrounding atmosphere. A place is deemed sacred once something miraculous has occurred or overtime it gains enough reputation to be seen as significant. The pilgrimage to this place is a new concept at first. Few know the location and even fewer are motivated enough to actually go there. The sparse group of pilgrims set off with fresh eyes and intrinsic motivation to visit this place they have heard about (Turner 26). Sadly, this place does not stay secret for long.
Word begins to spread and more people begin journeying to and from this sacred place. More pilgrims leads to routinization and a clear path is set before those who with to venture out. As the trail becomes more well known, people begin to establish hospices, attractions, and shops near it (Turner 183). Major institutions such as governments and religious groups use the journey as a way to assert their authority and control the people (Turner 180). The once sparse journey becomes a major tradition and attraction to all kinds of people (Turner 26).

Is the increase in popularity of a sacred place good? I believe the popularity is a great way to establish communitas. It also becomes a beacon for local culture. The trouble lies in the experience on has at these places. A shrine, for example, cannot be enjoyed if people are shoulder-to-shoulder pushing for a chance to see a centerpiece or mural. Some may go for the chance to communicate with a worldly other. The majority, on the other hand, seem to be tourists who want to see everything quickly (Turner 184). The popularity of a site is beneficial to some while it is a disappointment to others. A site that was once used as a way to decenter the self has mutated  into a reason for taking pictures.

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