Pelgrims

Pelgrims are people who undertake a pilgrimage, traveling to a site of religious, spiritual, or symbolic significance. The term is used in Dutch and Afrikaans as well as in translations of English, and it covers those who undertake long journeys for devotion, penance, vows, or personal meaning rather than for ordinary travel.

Etymology and scope: Pelgrim derives from Latin peregrinus, passed into Dutch through Old French. While the concept is common to many faiths, the term is often associated with religious journeys, though some journeys may be undertaken for cultural or historical reasons as well.

Practice and sites: Pilgrimage is practiced worldwide across major faiths. Christian pilgrims historically visited places such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela, with routes including the Camino de Santiago. In Islam, the Hajj to Mecca is a mandatory pilgrimage for those who are able. Other traditions feature pilgrimages to temples, shrines, or monasteries, sometimes tied to seasons, vows, or healing rituals. Pilgrims may engage in rituals, fasting, processions, or acts of penance during their journeys.

Modern context: Today, pilgrimages range from ancient routes revived for spiritual exploration to contemporary journeys for personal or cultural reasons. Infrastructure along routes, guided tours, and online resources support travelers. The concept remains a meaningful aspect of religious life for many communities and has also influenced literature, art, and local economies.

See also: Pilgrimage; Camino de Santiago; Hajj.