Pilgrimages Society

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Religious pilgrimages were an important part of the Christian world. There were many reasons to embark on a pilgrimage: seeking forgiveness for sins, shortening the stay in purgatory for the pilgrim’s soul or that of their loved ones, asking for healing or other divine help, expressing gratitude, or deepening one’s piety and devotion.
The destinations of pilgrimages were places associated with Christ’s presence and activities or the places of action or rest of saints.
The most significant place was the city of Jerusalem and the site of the Holy Sepulchre. In Europe, the most visited places included Rome, the seat of the popes and associated with the activities of St. Peter, and the city of Santiago de Compostela with the relics of St. James. In the Czech lands, the most important pilgrimage site was Prague, where the relics of several saints rested over time, the most significant being the national patron St. Wenceslas, who was interred in St. Vitus Cathedral.
Undertaking a pilgrimage meant enduring a challenging and often dangerous journey, whether by land or partially by sea, and it was considered a significant achievement for the individual. Providing shelter and help to a pilgrim was regarded as a matter of good manners. The development of pilgrimage also had an economic and commercial aspect, especially around pilgrimage sites and travel inns.
A pilgrim could often be recognized by their specific attire, which is frequently depicted in various images. This typically included a satchel, cloak, pilgrim’s staff, pilgrim badges, and the scallop shell of St. James was a common motif or symbol. The scallop shell was a popular item, believed to be blessed and thus endowed with supernatural abilities. Such a shell was sometimes placed at the bottom of a well to ensure the purity of the water.

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