Mountains as sacred spaces. Tradition and modernity
Journal cover Humaniora. Czasopismo Internetowe, volume 48, no. 4, year 2024
PDF (Język Polski)

Keywords

mountains
sacred space
religion
experience
tourism

How to Cite

Sztajer, S. (2024). Mountains as sacred spaces. Tradition and modernity. Humaniora. Czasopismo Internetowe, 48(4), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.14746/h.2024.4.5

Abstract

Mountains have always played an important role in the religiosity and spirituality of different cultures. They have been seen both as sacred spaces and as special bridges between the temporal and supernatural worlds, or as places that connect different cosmic levels. In religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous religions, mountains have been places of revelation, mystical experience, meditation, and worship. This article discusses the significance of mountains in selected traditional beliefs and rituals, emphasizing their role as material vehicles of spiritual heritage. This traditional approach is contrasted with contemporary ways of interpreting the sacredness of mountains, especially those interpretations shaped by secularization and modernization. Phenomena such as experiences of well-known alpinists and ordinary tourists, literary narratives and works of art show how the sacred character of mountains is adapting to modern realities.

https://doi.org/10.14746/h.2024.4.5
PDF (Język Polski)

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