Danielle Creel: Image and Pilgrimage Part 3

Summary of Pilgrimage/Liminality
Image and Pilgrimage
Since Pilgrimage is voluntary not obligatory as a social mechanism to mark transition of an individual or group from state or status to another, pilgrimage is best thought of as liminoid. Within tribes rituals are considered to be a form of work and thus could be considered a work of god/gods. This work would have been considered necessary for the groups’ welfare just as law would have been. The author then goes on to explain how in American culture religion is viewed as a leisure activity or one in which is voluntary to participate in. The author continues to say how the term and idea of leisure is now more professionalized, so that they require more technical skills. Perhaps the author is trying to open the readers eye to how overworked people are and that instead they should look at what really matters in life.