Современная репрезентация феномена пешего паломничества в русской и испанской культуре

Abstract

The paper a comparative analysis of two sociocultural traditions — the Way of St. James in Spain and the Russian Velikoretsky procession. The basis for comparison is the antiquity of both phenomena and their similar conceptual characteristics. The author classifies both traditions as a multiday walking pilgrimage, considering the ritual peculiarities of each. The author highlights such common characteristics as walking, reflection, the “solitude-interaction” antinomy, and differences associated, among other things, with climatic nuances. The actuality is related to the themes of national unification. At the center of both traditions are enduring values: spiritual understanding of life, unification with other people, mutual assistance in trials. The patriotism component is reflected in the historical component of both practices: the Apostle James is the patron saint of Spain, a symbol of victory and liberation, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered saints of the Russian people. Both phenomena lead to consolidation of society not only within a specific ethnocultural and religious group, but also carry a creative element to the society as a whole. The tradition of walking religious processions is in the process of development, and the experience of comparison with a similar tradition in a different ethnocultural reality helps to highlight some points that may be improved. Anyhow, multiday processions deserve attention not only as a religious ritual, but also at the level of general cultural tradition.