PILGRIMAGE

PILGRIMAGE

A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance.

A journey to a sacred place or shrine.

It can be a metaphorical journey into someone's own beliefs. 

PILGRIM

noun

1.

a person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacredplace as an act of religious devotion:

pilgrims to the Holy Land.

2.

a traveler or wanderer, especially in a foreign place.

3.

an original settler in a region.

4.

(initial capital letter) one of the band of Puritans who founded thecolony of Plymouth, Mass., in 1620.

5.

a newcomer to a region or place, especially to the western U.S.

HINDU PILGRIMAGE

Most Hindu places of pilgrimage are associated with legendary events from the lives of various gods.... Almost any place can become a focus for pilgrimage, but in most cases they are sacred cities, rivers, lakes, and mountains.

CHRISTIANITY

Christian pilgrimage was first made to sites connected with the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

ISLAM

The pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.

SAINT ANTÓN'S, SANINT ANATHONY'S, HOLLY OR HELL'S FIRE:

ERGOTISM.

 A condition that develops from ergotamines, substances produced due to fungal contamination of grains.   In excess,  can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, severe gastrointestinal upset, a type of dry gangrene, and a painful burning sensation in the limbs and extremities.

Chronic ergot poisoning (ergotism) was rife during the Middle Ages due to the consumption of contaminated rye. Because of the burning pain, it was known as fire.

The only cure known then, was the pilgimage to Santiago de Compostela to San Antón`s Convent, which fed people with bread made from wheat.