Description

Pilgrimage is found in most religious cultures, with large numbers of sites, from globally renowned places to regional shrines, flourishing historically and in the modern day. Pilgrimage centres around the world, including Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Guadalupe in Mexico, Lourdes in France, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Haridwar in India and Shikoku in Japan, attract millions of pilgrims annually, while a flourishing ‘spiritual tourism’ industry has grown to promote the practice. In the present day, new pilgrimage locations, including ‘secular’ ones with no official affiliation, such as Graceland, Elvis Presley’s house, continue to emerge across the world.

In this Very Short Introduction Ian Reader explores the factors that affect how pilgrimage has changed over time, from contemporary international developments, such as mass transportation to changing social attitudes reflected in the motives of pilgrims through the ages. He demonstrates the social and international aspects of pilgrimage, showing how it has become a way of expressing social identity and cultural heritage, as well as being entwined with themes of entertainment and tourism.

Examines the key themes of pilgrimage, through history and in the present
Includes examples from around the world, with sites from Japan, India, Europe, the US, the Middle East
Considers the importance of both religious and secular pilgrimage
Considers its role as ‘spiritual tourism’ as well as the commercial aspects of pilgrimage, including souvenirs
Explores how international and economic developments have influenced pilgrimage
Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series, over seven million copies sold worldwide