pilgrimage

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Journey to sacred places inspired by religious devotion. For Hindus, the holy places include Varanasi and the purifying River Ganges; for Buddhists, the places connected with the crises of Buddha's career; for the ancient Greeks, shrines such as those at Delphi and Ephesus; for Jews, the Western Wall or Wailing Wall in Jerusalem; for Muslims, Mecca and Medina; and for Roman Catholics, Lourdes in France, among others. Pilgrimages are usually undertaken as opportunities to reflect upon and deepen one's religious faith, or to earn religious merit.

Among Christians, pilgrimages were common by the 2nd century and, as a direct result of the growing frequency and numbers of pilgrimages, there arose numerous hospices catering for pilgrims, the religious orders of knighthood, and the Crusades. The great centres of Christian medieval pilgrimages were Jerusalem, Rome, the tomb of St James of Compostela in Spain, and the shrine of St Thomas à Becket in Canterbury, England.

Pilgrimage often involved ascetic practices (restrictions on diet or sexuality) but also sightseeing, and was a major factor in the exchange of ideas between regions and cultures. The motives for pilgrimage varied from penance for sin and concern for the afterlife to the desire for benefits in the present life, such as fertility, healing, or luck. Pilgrimage is not an essential feature of the Christian religion, and is mostly undertaken by members of the Roman Catholic and High Church Anglican churches. The most popular sites are those where visions of the Virgin Mary have been seen or miracles recorded.

Red represents progress. Blue is Mongolia's national colour. Effective date: 12 February 1992. >>