Brittany Wissen -- Liminality in Pilgrims

Liminality is a major theme in Victor Turner’s Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture. Turner states “liminality is not only transition but also potentially, not only ‘going to be’ but also ‘what may be’” (3). It is an in-between state, often associated with rites of passage. This is also true for pilgrims. It is especially applicable when the pilgrim is traveling for the passage into adulthood or into seniority. The pilgrimage is an in-between state in and of itself, whether it be between the stages of life, between big decisions, or someone simply looking for something new and exciting. Of course, liminality is not the only aspect of pilgrimages, but to me, it seems to be the one most effective on the pilgrim.

source:
Turner, Victor and Edith L. B. Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 1978.