8.3.1 The Religious Contribution to Culture and Identity

Religions are not isolated social phenomena. They exist within a cultural complex that nurtures and sustains them or, conversely, demeans and undermines them. Religion can be closely bound to other elements of identity—language or nationality. In many societies, the boundaries between religion and social life, family structure, and law and politics are nonexistent. Religion in those places is the center of all life, and everything else revolves around religious concepts. A place that is purely governed by a religious structure is known as a theocracy. Iran, run by the Ayatollah, and Afghanistan, controlled by the Taliban, are good examples. There are very few of these in the modern world, although many states have strong religious influence. Examples for the latter would be Armenia with its very strong ties to the Armenian Apostolic Church and Israel with strong ties to Judaism. Many modern societies have built barriers between religious influence and political life. These secular societies are much more common in today’s world.

Religion, along with ethnicity and language, are very often core components of an individual’s identity. It can define the way a person sees the world, what clothing is appropriate, gender roles, employment, and even your position within the greater society.

8.3.2 The Religious Landscape

As such, it has tremendous cultural influence, and this influence is visible in the landscape. Buildings of worship, historic or present-day symbols that  represent a religion usually abound. Also our burial places are often religious places. In addition, religion-specific clothing is often but not always visible.

In addition, most religions have sacred places, often pilgrimage sites to which their adherents flock. Such sacred spaces can be religious structures, but they can also be historic battlefields, cemeteries, mountains, or rivers. Anything that humans use to generate a sense of the divine can be considered a sacred space. Sacred spaces have expectations of behavior. In some places, it is still possible to claim sanctuary there.

Sacred Places

The Camino de Santiago (Christianity), also known as the Way of St. James, is a historic pilgrimage route that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where it is believed the remains of St. James the Apostle are buried. The origins of the pilgrimage date back to the 9th century when the tomb of St. James was purportedly discovered. The discovery led to the establishment of Santiago de Compostela as one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, alongside Jerusalem and Rome. During the medieval period, the Camino saw a surge of pilgrims from all over Europe, who traveled to seek penance, spiritual growth, and miracles.

The route experienced a decline in popularity due to various factors, including the Protestant Reformation, political unrest, and pandemics. However, it underwent a revival in the late 20th century, driven by increased interest in spiritual journeys and cultural tourism. Today, the Camino de Santiago attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually, who walk or cycle the various routes that converge at the cathedral. The pilgrimage path is sprinkled with UNESCO  highlights and is celebrated for its rich history, cultural significance, and the sense of camaraderie among pilgrims.

Modern pilgrims, known as “peregrinos,” embark on the Camino for various reasons, ranging from religious devotion and spiritual reflection to physical challenge and cultural curiosity. The journey is marked by a series of hostels, known as “albergues,” providing affordable accommodations and fostering a sense of community among travelers. The Camino is well-marked with the iconic yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, guiding pilgrims through diverse terrains including mountains, plains, and coastal paths. The pilgrimage culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where many pilgrims attend the Pilgrim’s Mass and witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner. The Camino de Santiago continues to grow in popularity, offering a transformative experience that blends tradition, culture, and personal discovery.

The Hajj (Islam) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, culminating in the observance of Eid al-Adha. The Hajj is a profound spiritual event, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to perform a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. These rituals include walking seven times around the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building in the Grand Mosque that is considered the holiest site in Islam, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at the pillars in Mina.

The Hajj is not only a demonstration of Muslim unity but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal and seeking forgiveness. Pilgrims wear simple white garments known as Ihram, which symbolize purity and equality before God. The journey involves significant physical and emotional endurance, as pilgrims navigate large crowds and challenging conditions to complete the rites. Despite the difficulties, the Hajj is deeply cherished by Muslims, offering a transformative experience that reinforces their faith and connection to the global Muslim community. The pilgrimage also holds considerable economic and social significance, with the Saudi government investing heavily in infrastructure and services to accommodate the influx of pilgrims each year.

The most sacred site for Hinduism is Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares. Located on the banks of the River Ganges in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. It is believed that Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, making it a focal point for Shaivism. The city is renowned for its ghats, which are a series of steps leading down to the river, where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions, seeking purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important temples in Varanasi and attracts millions of devotees annually. Varanasi is also a major center for learning, particularly for Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, and has been a hub for scholars and sages for centuries. The city’s vibrant religious life includes daily rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that reflect the richness of Hindu traditions. The Ganga Aarti, a nightly ritual on the ghats where priests perform a highly choreographed worship ceremony with fire, is a spectacular and deeply moving experience for visitors and pilgrims alike. Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere, combined with its historical and cultural heritage, makes it the most revered pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The Western Wall (Judaism), also known as the Wailing Wall, is the most sacred site in Judaism, located in the Old City of Jerusalem. This ancient limestone wall is a remnant of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Temple itself was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred area where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Western Wall is the closest accessible site to the former Holy of Holies, making it an immensely significant place for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage. Jews from around the world come to the Wall to pray, reflect, and place written prayers into the cracks between the stones, maintaining a tradition that underscores the deep spiritual connection to this holy site.

The significance of the Western Wall extends beyond its religious importance; it also symbolizes Jewish endurance and continuity. Throughout history, the Wall has been a focal point for Jewish aspirations and identity, especially during times of persecution and exile. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Jewish life and a place where people gather for various religious ceremonies, including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and national commemorations. The plaza in front of the Wall accommodates thousands of worshippers, particularly during major Jewish holidays such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, when the site becomes a hub of communal worship and celebration. The Western Wall’s profound historical and spiritual resonance continues to inspire and unite Jews worldwide.

Non-Religious Sacred Spaces

Occasionally, sites of public tragedies are treated as sacred spaces, attracting religious-like pilgrimages and dark tourism. Locations such as Ground Zero in New York City, Dealey Plaza in Dallas, and Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., are considered sacred by some because they serve as places for people to remember, grieve, and ponder metaphysical questions. Behavior at these sites often mirrors that observed in formally recognized sacred spaces.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries are common landscapes functioning as religious or sacred spaces, often regulated and maintained publicly. How a society treats corpses and burial sites can reveal much about its religious beliefs. The Abrahamic faiths share beliefs about the end of time, where human remains reconcile with the divine, leading to the tradition of burial for resurrection purposes. Muslims bury their dead facing Mecca, while Christians bury them facing east to rise and face Christ on Judgment Day. This practice of burying millions has significant implications for geographers, particularly regarding the territory allocated for cemeteries in large cities like New York or ancient cities like Cairo. Scarcity of territory for burial grounds is also common in highly populated countries like Germany. Here, in some instances a new lease for the grave site will have to be paid every 20-30 years. If the family chooses not to pay or can’t afford to, a new “resident” moves in.

Before the 20th century, it was common in many parts of the United States to bury loved ones on family property. Backyard cemeteries, practical generations ago, are now generally forbidden for reasons such as property sales. These cemeteries reflect how cultural practices and attitudes toward the dead, dying, and property have evolved.

Foodways – Taboos

A less obvious way that religions may influence the landscape is through religious influences on dietary choices. Food production can be influenced by religion. Many religions have doctrines regarding what is acceptable food and what is not.

Halal (Islam) food is food that complies with Islamic dietary laws as outlined in the Quran. These guidelines specify that food must be free from any forbidden substances (haram), such as pork and alcohol, and that meat must come from animals that are slaughtered in a specific way, involving a prayer and a swift, humane cut to the animal’s throat to ensure its blood is fully drained.

Kosher (Judaism) food adheres to Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut, which dictate permissible foods and their preparation. Only certain animals, such as those that chew cud and have cloven hooves, and specific fish with fins and scales, are considered kosher, while pigs and shellfish are not. Meat must be slaughtered humanely by a trained individual, and all blood must be removed. Additionally, meat and dairy products cannot be eaten together, requiring separate utensils and preparation areas. Processed foods must be inspected and certified by a reliable kosher agency to ensure compliance with these laws.

Ital food is a dietary practice originating from the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica , emphasizing natural, clean, and organic ingredients. It typically excludes meat, dairy, and processed foods, focusing instead on fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. The term “Ital” derives from “vital,” highlighting the belief that food should enhance one’s life energy and spiritual health. Ital cuisine often avoids the use of salt, preferring natural seasonings, and is prepared to maintain the purity and wholeness of the ingredients.

In Hinduism, food restrictions are deeply rooted in religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and ethical considerations. Many Hindus practice vegetarianism, abstaining from meat and fish, as they believe in ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all living beings. The cow is particularly respected/revered, and therefore, beef is strictly avoided by most Hindus. Foods must also be prepared in a clean and sanctified manner, often offered to deities before consumption. Regions in India where beef is taboo might see cattle wander through the countryside  since they are religiously protected from harm.