We started the day with a discussion on Victor Turner, who is the theorist we are reading, and some concepts regarding pilgrimages. An interesting thing was that often pilgrims change their name on the pilgrimage, but when they go back home their name returns to their original name. Dr. Bell suggested we think of names for ourselves for the trip...I'm thinking Maria Christina something something something (a nice big long name), but we shall see. It got me thinking about identity (another thing we discussed) and how if one changes their name, they can have a whole new identity. Often times pilgrims take these trips to sacred sites not with close family or friends, but with people they barely know or do not even know. They can be whoever or whatever they want, and the changing of the name reinforces that concept. A man is no longer Joe Schmo with cancer and thus we must feel sorry for him, but Ricardo the pilgrim who seeks guidance/interception from a deity. Another thing I found interesting about Turner (after I read chapter 1 of Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture) is that he argues that pilgrimages are individualistic rituals (and keep in mind he is writing about Christian pilgrimages so what he says may not apply to other religions...even though he very often provides examples from Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism). Most, if not all other, rituals are about a sense of community (cough cough part of the four functions of a ritual discussed in the Intro to World Religions class). Baptism, though very individualistic, brings the individual into the community of believers (thus reinforcing the sense of community). Marriage takes place in front of large groups of family and friends to witness the ritual (reinforcing the community). Yet pilgrimages are individualistic. The individual goes on the pilgrimage for personal reasons. They then perform the ritual alone (yes there are others around performing the same actions, but the goal is individualistic). He does, though, argue that once the pilgrimage is complete, they pilgrim is part of a community that has done the same thing (a stretch in my opinion to connect the ritual to community).
Turner also discussed the journey to the pilgrimage. It can be dangerous (think back to Medieval times when you could be robbed at any time on the journey) and often times long. It was not easy travel either. However, now the journey is neither long, nor hard. Yes flying across an ocean can be difficult, and waiting for 10 hours after landing to get into your apartment is no fun. However, compared to walking and/or riding a horse for days, if not weeks, is a lot harder. Taking a pilgrimage now is much easier and less time consuming. Does that take away what a pilgrim gains from the experience?
After the class discussion, we went our separate ways (well...2 separate ways). One group went to the Louvre while Dr. Bell, Liz, Topher, and I WALKED to Notre Dam, Shakespeare & Co, and the Cluny (only I went to the Cluny...they continued to walk around the Latin Quarter). It was awesome to people watch (along with the commentary from my companions!). I really do love the city, and I wish I knew French!
Saint Chapelle
Really cool market area right by the Cite Metro
Charlemagne statue by Notre Dam...he is my Great x42 Grandfather!!! Dr. Bell claims that there is no way he could be related to someone from Arizona.
Great (x42) Gpa and Notre Dam
Look I'm being a good student and reading while in line to climb Notre Dam (wonder what the boys are looking at...probably some fashion faux pa (did I spell that right???)
Notre Dam while waiting
Awesome view from (almost) the top
Gargoyles!
Looking down on Great Gpa
Slinky and a gargoyle
That's Sacre Coeur!
Nom nom nom
The Bell
Slinky and Liz's mascot
Inside Notre Dam
Had to take this...after taking Religion in America this past semester and a section on Sacred Space, I had to take the picture
Where we had lunch...Creposuk! We found out later that it was Crepos UK (as in United Kingdom)...we liked calling it Crepo-suck (even though it was fantastic!)
Liz and Topher at lunch
Nom nom nom...my goat cheese and spinach gallete!
Latin Quarter
Notre Dam from across the street
Shakespeare and Co! I did not buy anything, but Dr. Bell bought two books for his daughter.
"Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore!'"
The narrowest street in Paris (and Dr. Bell's head because he never listened when I said "Dr. Bell your head will be in my picture!")
St. Severin church...very modern cross
Window of the comic book store we went into
Statues at the Cluny...ever since the weeping angels of Doctor Who, I can't look at look at statues the same...though these do have their heads cut off so they may not be murderous like the ones on Doctor Who. Still creepy!
Mary looks so sad and concerned. I love how the artist was able to capture that emotion
Lady and the Unicorn tapestry...too bad they don't allow flash in the room
She looked exhausted
Saw this beautiful piece of art and wondered which was Mary Magdalene
I liked Mary's hair on this one
Dr. Bell and Liz are tired!
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