Native American Religions by Rob Dufour

I was reading through the “Roads of Life” section in our text Native American Religions and I can across the part on pilgrimage which really made me reminisce about the pilgrimage that I took part of over the summer. The book tells us that a pilgrimage is a complicated ritual process that serves as a rite of passage. It is also a difficult and dangerous journey at times especially when the destination is not one frequented or normally seen by anyone other than pilgrims. The route of the pilgrimage takes place among space that is beyond that perceived by the ordinary person and therefore the grounds of the pilgrimage are sacred and strong. There is also a special character that is among a pilgrimage as there are special rules and restrictions, ritual language, and ritual procedures that are mutually understood and abided by. This made me think of all the rules or ritual procedures that were among the AT, such as the rule “leave no trace” or the rituals such as trail names or the language such as “thru hiker” or “trail magic”. All of this knowledge is gained through the experience. The pilgrimage process forms a camaraderie among the pilgrims that represents a unity through bonds gained from similar hardships and experiences. The pilgrimage is meant to be a transformation of the pilgrim from youth to an adult and from “religious naivete to a vision directed maturity.” The book goes on to say that a pilgrimage serves a passage from youth to manhood that culminates a childhood of physical and spiritual preparation. It initiates manhood and family life – which is interesting because I remember when I came home from my two week pilgrimage my mom looked at me and said that I look like I have grown up. I guess it’s nice to know that I finally grew into manhood at the age of 21.