Pilgrimages and Journeys
Ceremonies and celebrations Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Looking at pilgrimages and journeys that people from the six major world faiths make to sacred places around the world. Find out where Christians go to visit the sites of miracles, why Hindus travel to bathe in holy rivers and why Jews visit the Wailing Wall. First-hand accounts describe the journeys people make in their own words, while extracts from ancient religious texts show some of the origins of the pilgrimages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about different places that people go on pilgrimages?
How do you think going on a journey changes a person?
What kind of journey would you like to go on, and why?
Can you think of someone you know who has been on a pilgrimage? What did they experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a world map to point out the various pilgrimage sites mentioned in the book to help visualize the journeys.
Relate the concept of a pilgrimage to a personal or family journey to help your child connect with the theme.
Ask your child to describe what they would pack for a long journey and why, linking back to different scenarios in the book.
Encourage your child to draw their interpretation of a meaningful journey or create a collage from magazine cutouts that represents a pilgrimage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: The narrative follows the protagonist's journey through challenging terrains and weather, demonstrating their ability to persevere.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in their studies, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: As the protagonist visits various historical and cultural sites, they learn about the local traditions and history, showing acceptance and respect.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book emphasizes the protagonist's quest for knowledge about each location's significance, fostering a love for learning.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to explore new topics, ask questions in class, and undertake their own learning journeys.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: The protagonist's need to prepare adequately for each leg of their journey highlights the importance of planning and readiness.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the benefits of being prepared for school projects, exams, or any new ventures they might explore.