The Medieval Pilgrimage Summer Road Trip Adventure

We’re back to the Sixties again; this time, the 1360s!
Before commercial travel, a pilgrimage provided tourism with a spiritual twist. A veneration vacation, so to speak.

Today, people travel for spiritual reasons to Mecca, the Ganges. Jerusalem, Israel, Mount Fuji, El Camino de Santiago de Compostela,  and other destinations.  The medieval pilgrimage was deeply linked to religion, social structures, politics, health, and the economy.

In this episode, we’ll think about…
·        Who went on pilgrimages and why?
·        Travel decisions: Where to go, how to get there, what to bring with you.
·        What actually happened once the destination was reached.  Was there any element of fun involved?

We’ll dive into the pilgrim experience by simulating a journey to the Walsingham Shrine.  Along the way, we’ll better understand the medieval significance of indulgences and relics.   

Photos, sources, and more at our show notes HERE. 
 
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Episode image from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales via Wikimedia Commons.