Creating sacred space by walking in silence: Pilgrimage in a late modern Lutheran context

Abstract

In Sweden, pilgrimages have emerged as new, re-created, late modern rites, taking advantage of historical roots and contemporary international developments. Yet, the Swedish pilgrimages have their own specificities. Pilgrimages are arranged as group activities with a focus on walking, and the place to which the pilgrimage is made has lost its significance as a holy place. Instead, nature, outdoor life and especially silence are important means for spiritual experiences, and holy places are perceived in an individualized manner along the trail. The highly appreciated silent walk creates a sacred space during the pilgrimage where experiences of spirituality as well as of self-transformation can take place. The author discusses pilgrimage concepts such as structure, place, space and spirituality from a Swedish perspective.