Why are you walking? Please comment below!

[Amcovlin]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

 

[trecile]

Have you found the Pilgrims Office website yet? Lots of statistics there.

 

[Bradypus]

I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century.

If you discover any good sources of statistical information concerning the motives of individual pilgrims in the 9th century please let us all know. I for one would be fascinated to read it.

 

[wayfarer]

Check this thread it might help you. Its another poll.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/why-are-you-walking-the-camino.66001/#post-813423

 

[Amcovlin]

Check this thread it might help you. Its another poll.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/why-are-you-walking-the-camino.66001/#post-813423

This was awesome! Thanks for sharing!

 

[SabsP]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

This is the website of the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago.

Statistics | Pilgrim's welcome office

oficinadelperegrino.com

Good luck with your project.

 

[Togabogie]

Excellent subject in which to do youre studies!! A wise head on young shoulders !!
I wish you well and success on youre studies and project

 

[MikeJS]

Because I like long walks..

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

I wish you all the best in your research. Maybe it will inspire you at some stage to walk yourself, but meantime you have already got some useful links for the statistics you are looking for. I will look forward to a look at your finished work, don’t forget to let us know how it goes.
edit: I selected other because while I walk as pilgrim, there is much more to walking a camino, in my case it is not only for religious reasons.

 

[Camineiro]

Walking is good for my personal health.
It‘s a perfect cardio training for my heart.

A fellow pilgrim mentioned ... “Pilgrimage is balm for body, mind and soul“.

There‘s nothing to add.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Of the 7 provided options I could have selected 4 of them.........

 

[E V Waight]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

Check this link. I think it's the best you'll find.

Camino Stats

crowley.pw

 

[Tandem Graham]

Good luck with your studies!
I checked several boxes including 'Other'.
I haven't checked 'religious' because as a doubting protestant I struggle with venerating the possible earthly remains of a long-dead saint who in at least one firm was used as a rabble-rousing hero for religious persecution of those from another faith. However, I find myself in church and celebrating mass while on Camino far more frequently and willingly than at home! And despite myself, I still hug the Saint James statue in the cathedral in Santiago!
But I walk and cycle Caminos for the culture, 1 in terms of history and landscape but also 2 today's pilgrim culture of mutual support and encouragement and an acceptance of a degree of vulnerability in finding accommodation, food and company.

 

[Tandem Graham]

For "firm", please read 'form'.

 

[domigee]

You’ll have to walk it yourself! Then all will be revealed
Good luck with your project.

 

[Amcovlin]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

Huge thank you to everyone who participated in this survey! I ended up scoring very well and my teacher loved that I had so many primary sources. In my findings, I found that when the pilgrimage first emerged in the 9th century, the main motives behind the trek were to pay homage to Saint James or to receive an indulgence for their good work, both of which stem from religious reasons. Although many still walk the Camino for religious purposes today, especially during a Holy Year, I found that there is a huge spectrum of other reasons as well. When I first started my research, I didn’t understand how complex and life changing the Camino is. I assumed that there would be a simple answer behind everything, but that is clearly not the case. I found that motives often change during the walk and reasons can range from simply liking long walks to trying to redefine yourself. One user even commented that “walking the Camino is like jazz... if you have to ask why you will never get it.“ I think that perfectly sums up my experience. Walking the Camino is a beautiful experience and I‘m so grateful that you all were able to share your insight with me. I‘m definitely going to walk it myself when this whole Corona virus mess has died down. Thank you again for your input!

 

[Former member 49149]

Thank you for your feedback, and congratulations on scoring well. Yes, when it is possible for all concerned, you will love walking your own camino.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Hi! I’m a high school student from Oregon taking an IB World Religions class and as the topic for my Internal Assessment I’m comparing the reasons why pilgrims walk the Camino now vs when it first became popular in the 9th century. I’m having trouble finding information regarding the percentages of people who walk it for religious reasons, exercise, etc, so I figured why not just ask the people myself! So if you have a minute, can you please comment below with your reason for walking and share this with other pilgrims. Thank you!

I know I'm late, and I haven't been able to walk yet, but a major reason for me is reflection, taking time out from the world before I decide what direction my life will take in future.

 

[Tincatinker]

@Amcovlin thank you for your courtesy. The camino will call you when it and you are ready