Pilgrimages: Space, Polysemy and Three Cases

Abstract

This article is based on a study of the existing literature and field work on sites of pilgrimages. It is structured in three parts: pilgrimage and space, the polysemy of pilgrimages and a presentation of three examples of pilgrimages. First we discuss the relationship of pilgrimages with space. Going on pilgrimage implies a “displacement” towards a “particular place”, where there is an “internal circuit” laid out for pilgrims and visitors. Finally, we point out the “territory of recruitment”, where the pilgrims live. In a second part we discuss the polysemy of the pilgrimages. Persons may go on pilgrimage towards historic places of a religion to “revive” its message. It may also be “an act of devotion” or a “penitential activity”. Pilgrimages were and still are an “affirmation of an identity” and finally we stress “the logic of requests”. These are analytical distinctions but pilgrimages are mostly a combination of these functions. Finally, we present three examples of pilgrimages: one to the Relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ in Bruges (Belgium), another to a Marian sanctuary in Banneux (Belgium) and finally the pilgrimage to St James of Compostela (Spain).

Keywords

• pilgrimage
• space
• polysemy
• functions
• identity
• request
• devotion