Image and Pilgrimage: Liminality

12/6/15

In the book, Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture the specific quote is stated, “Pilgrimage, then, has some, of the attributes of liminality in passage rites. . .” This quote implies that pilgrimages possess some characteristics of liminality. Liminality is defined as the “threshold.” Liminality often occurs in the middle stage of rituals. I think pilgrimages maintain some qualities of liminality in that during the process of pilgrimages, one passes through a ‘threshold,’ transforming themselves during their journey. Passing through this threshold enables the individual to possess new spiritual abilities that they have obtained from their trek. In this sense, liminality and pilgrimages are substantially intertwined. Both come hand-in-hand with the other. Liminality being a part of this sacred process is a very essential component of the practice.