Image and Pilgrimage: Post 12

Classification of Pilgrimages

On page 17 of Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture, there are four main types of pilgrimages that are being classified. The first is a protypical pilgrimage. This form of pilgrimage manifests in "symbolism, character narratives, ecclesiastical structure, and general form of international repute" (p. 18). These pilgrimages are established by the founder of a religion, by his first disciples, or by important evangelists of that religion. Some examples of a protypical pilgrimage is to Jerusalem for Christians, to Mecca for Muslims, and Kandy for Buddhists. 

The second type of pilgrimage, much like the first, occurs in all historical religions. Some examples of this pilgrimage are Glastonbury in England's Somerset and Chalma in Mexico. It is in this type of pilgrimage where "traces of syncretism with older religious beliefs and symbols" are found. 

The third form of pilgrimage within the Christian tradition is a medieval pilgrimage. For example, there is Canterbury in England, and Chartres in France. These pilgrimages are popular in literary traditions of the Christian culture.

The fourth type of pilgrimage the authors present is the modern pilgrimage. This really came about in the 19th and 20th centuries. This relies on the piety of the individual partaking in the pilgrimage. This modern pilgrimage is really denoting a post-medieval form of pilgrimage. Often on these pilgrimages, miracles are expected to occur and visions are expected to be seen along the way.