Cele i motywy pielgrzymowania z Krakowa na Jasną Górę na przykładzie XXXI Pieszej Pielgrzymki Skałecznej

The purposes and motivation of pilgrimages from Kraków to Jasna Góra - the example of the 31st Walking Pilgrimage from Skałka

Summary: When studying the phenomenon of pilgrimage one should address its very essence - the purpose of the pilgrimage. Information was collected for research purposes using the diagnostic survey method, in which the questionnaire addressed to the pilgrims served as a research tool. The study was carried out in July 2007, during the 31st Walking Pilgrimage from Skałka with 297 participants. In total, 172 questionnaires were analysed (74.8% questionnaires returned). The questionnaire contained 39 options containing possible purposes, using conjunctive questions, so it was possible to assess the frequency of selected intentions and to establish a hierarchy of motivations. Among the five most frequently indicated purposes declared by the participants in the pilgrimage, the overarching goal seemed to be the desire to beg for grace for the people close to the pilgrim's heart, to make up for spiritual deficiencies and weaknesses and, in particular, the worship of God and the Holy Virgin. These followed by seven goals in the individual ranking included religious motivations, the need for the spiritual renewal and gratitude for the grace of faith. Among universal goals, important (though not the only) reasons for the pilgrimage to Jasna Góra were those playing a very important role in tourism - the desire to commune with the beauties of nature (70 persons) and the desire for change (68 persons). The study also attempted to determine the motivation for a pilgrimage on the basis of the humanistic concept of motivation developed by A.H. Maslow. Nine categories of needs were specified. Considering the differing nature of the intentions declared, religious goals were broken into five groups under one category - religious needs. After summing up the responses in each category, results have shown that religious needs were ranked highest in the group classification. It was assumed that, for a substantial group of respondents, participation in the pilgrimage is motivated by the need for self-fulfilment, which is achieved through the deepening of one's spirituality and religiosity.

Peregrinus Cracoviensis, 2008, z. 19, s. 87-102.

Instytut Geografii i Gospodarki Przestrzennej UJ

ISSN 1425-1922

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