Abstract

Pilgrimage to sacred places of religious meaning has taken place since the early days of mankind. In the last few decades pilgrimage travel has experienced a world-wide boom due to modern means of transportation. Though pilgrimage is most commonly referred to in the context of the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), there is some indication of pilgrimage-like travel among Mormons.

This thesis looks at Mormon pilgrimage behavior among Mormon visitors to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The study undertaken has revealed considerable differences between Mormon and non-Mormon motivations, behavior and visiting patterns visitors to Temple Square. Though there is no formal doctrine for Mormons concerning pilgrimage, these differences give evidence of pilgrimage-like activity among Mormons, indicating that Mormon visitors to Temple Square are religiously-motivated travelers and a part of a pilgrimage-tourist phenomenon.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Geography

Rights

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