Geography 185
Chapter 6 Religion
Sacred Sites
Religion is a structured set of beliefs and practices. This is a very broad definition that includes modern organized religions, pagan and indigenous forms of worship. All religions have a sacred geography used in rituals and observance. Sacred spaces can be natural or human sites that have special meaning for followers. Some sacred spaces, such as structures or pilgrimage sites, are formal spaces. Others are vernacular, such as the apparition of the Virgin Mary on a building or roadside memorial. Sacred spaces can be constructed by humans or part of the natural landscape, for example Mt. Fuji in Japan or Uluru in Australia.
1. In your group, select a sacred site that is a natural site to research. Read pg. 134-137 in the text for ideas and examples of sacred sites. It can be from a modern, ancient or indigenous religion. Here are some additional resources for selecting a sacred site if you’re not sure what you want to research.
Places of Peace and Power http://www.sacredsites.com/
Sacred Destinations http://www.sacred-destinations.com/
Mysterious Places http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/index2.html
2. Assign your group members the following tasks:
Manager – make sure group is on task, maintain oversight & coordination of the project,
Researcher – research sources of information, provide writer with a summary of important points
Writer – write a 2 page paper summarizing the research
Presenter – prepare and deliver a 5 minute presentation on the groups sacred site
3. Once you have selected your site, research the following:
How did it become a sacred site? Why is it a sacred site?
What is it’s religious significance? Why is it important to the religion?
Are there any taboo’s or requirements for visiting the site?
Is there controversy surrounding the site? Why or why not?
Anything else of interest?
4. Prepare a 5 minute talk on your sacred site to share with the class. Bring a photo (paper or flash drive) to show the class. Information from the presentations will be included on the final exam.
5. Turn in a 2 page paper describing your research and findings.