Mixed Pilgrimagein Serbia: the Case of Two Sanctuaries (Đunis and Tekije)

Abstract

This paper first defines the term folk religion. Mixed pilgrimage is theoretically viewed through the prism of earlier research. Then the paper presents case studies of two Christian shrines, one Orthodox and one Roman Catholic, in Serbia, which were traditional targets of pilgrimage by Roma Muslims in large numbers. This research tested the theoretical paradigm of communitas and the concept of «antagonistic tolerance». The results of the fieldwork show that the motives of pilgrims are similar and universal. While Roma Muslims and Christian pilgrims do not come up with a communitas, they do not get into conflict either. In the meanwhile, at the sanctuary, the relationship between Christian clergy and the Muslims represents an example of «antagonistic tolerance».