ABSTRACT
Holy places–sites that are regarded as sacred, taboo, or worthy of special veneration–are characteristic of all religions. Closely associated with them are the notions of boundary (the demarcation of the taboo locale from the surrounding profane areas); cult acts or rituals particular to that place; the identification of who may cross the boundaries to perform the rituals forbidden to others (in short, a priesthood); the enshrinement or adornment of the place to identify or honor it; and, finally, the practice of pilgrimage, a visit to a place to acknowledge and in some manner share in its sanctity.
