Panel: SACRED SPACES AND COMMUNITY HERITAGE: BRIDGING THE TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE



669.10 - "DEVOTIONAL PATHWAYS: SACRED TATTOOS AND SPIRITUAL IDENTITY"

AUTHORS:
Salerno R. (University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy)
Text:
Sacred tattoos and pilgrimage, though distinct, share a common purpose: to express devotion, identity, and a spiritual connection. Both represent significant personal or collective journeys, whether physical or internal. Pilgrimages have long been transformative experiences, deepening the bond between individuals and the divine, whether through travel to sacred sites or symbolic journeys of the soul. Sacred spaces—temples, shrines, and other holy places—serve as intersections for diverse religious practices, often becoming focal points of spiritual devotion. The skin itself becomes a sacred canvas, marked with symbols of spiritual devotion, protection, or personal identity. The key question in my research is: How do sacred tattoos symbolize spiritual devotion and personal identity, and how do they function within contemporary expressions of pilgrimage and cultural identity? Sacred tattoos represent a shift in the traditional understanding of pilgrimage—from a journey through physical space to one that is embodied in the form of personal expression. In this context, the body becomes a sacred site, inscribed with symbols that narrate an individual's spiritual narrative. This change reflects the evolving nature of sacred landscapes, where the pilgrimage is no longer confined to territorial or spatial movements but is now expressed through embodied spirituality. Tattoos, long associated with religious meaning and protection, now serve as personal pilgrimages, carrying with them powerful symbols and images of deities. The convergence of pilgrimage and sacred tattoos underscores the human need for tangible, visual expressions of faith. Both practices provide a sense of belonging, identity, and connection in a fragmented world, offering transformative expressions of spirituality. These modern forms of sacred mobility continue to reflect humanity's ongoing search for meaning, grounding us in both personal and collective journeys of self-discovery and devotion.