Pilgrimage: Difference between revisions

From Cunnan
Jump to navigationJump to search
(Added relevant external links)
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Pilgrimage''' is the technical term for a journey, usually of a voluntary nature, to a site of particular significance, generally of [[religious]] significance.
'''Pilgrimage''' is the technical term for a journey, usually of a voluntary nature, to a site of particular significance, generally of [[religious]] significance. One engaged in this practice was called a '''Pilgrim'''.


The main [[Christian]] pilgrimage(s) in [[period]] were to the [[Holy Land]], but pilgrimages also took place to other places: to [[Rome]], to tour the sites and perhaps see the [[Pope]]; to the [[tomb]]s of [[saint]]s (James in Compostela, Francis in Assisi, and so forth) or martyrs ([[Thomas Becket|Becket]] at [[Canterbury]], for example); or to [[battlefield|battle sites]], where great victories had been won.
The purpose of a pilgrimage was to cleanse the soul of sin, and the further or more difficult the pilgrimage, the greater the spiritual benefit. The main [[Christian]] pilgrimage(s) in [[period]] were to the [[Holy Land]], but pilgrimages also took place to other places: to [[Rome]], to tour holy sites and perhaps see the [[Pope]]; to the [[tomb]]s of [[saint]]s or martyrs; or to [[battlefield|battle sites]], where great victories had been won, particularly against non-[[Christian]]s or heretics.


Many [[monastery|monasteries]] garnered a large amount of income from small tolls imposed on pilgrims to see their [[relic]]s; more weathy pilgrims would often make large bequests at pilgrimage sites, as well.
The [[Islam|Muslim]] faith also recognised the pilgrimage, chiefly the ''hajj'' to [[Mecca]] which every Muslim was supposed to attempt once in his life.

In period, the [[crusade]]s were regarded as a sort of armed pilgrimage, and all crusaders arriving in the Holy Land would fervently pray at various holy sites before and after battles against the "infidel". Indeed, the First Crusade was, at least in part, launched as a method of guaranteeing Christian access to Jerusalem and its environs.

Interestingly, [[Islam]] faith also recognizes the pilgrimage, chiefly in the ''Hajj'' to [[Mecca]] which every Muslim is supposed to attempt at least once in his life.


{{stub}}


== External Links ==
== External Links ==

Revision as of 02:04, 11 July 2008

Pilgrimage is the technical term for a journey, usually of a voluntary nature, to a site of particular significance, generally of religious significance. One engaged in this practice was called a Pilgrim.

The purpose of a pilgrimage was to cleanse the soul of sin, and the further or more difficult the pilgrimage, the greater the spiritual benefit. The main Christian pilgrimage(s) in period were to the Holy Land, but pilgrimages also took place to other places: to Rome, to tour holy sites and perhaps see the Pope; to the tombs of saints or martyrs; or to battle sites, where great victories had been won, particularly against non-Christians or heretics.

Many monasteries garnered a large amount of income from small tolls imposed on pilgrims to see their relics; more weathy pilgrims would often make large bequests at pilgrimage sites, as well.

In period, the crusades were regarded as a sort of armed pilgrimage, and all crusaders arriving in the Holy Land would fervently pray at various holy sites before and after battles against the "infidel". Indeed, the First Crusade was, at least in part, launched as a method of guaranteeing Christian access to Jerusalem and its environs.

Interestingly, Islam faith also recognizes the pilgrimage, chiefly in the Hajj to Mecca which every Muslim is supposed to attempt at least once in his life.


External Links