Bonding in Nature-Nayra Guevara

Turner discusses the concept of communitas in Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture. He defines communitas as the “commonness of feeling.” It is important to acknowledge the various characteristics of communitas. It is completely unpredictable and immediate. This can be attributed to the fact that the wilderness is sacred as well. When people join together in the wilderness, an indescribable bond is created. Because they are outside of the limitations set by society, social equality is also a trait of communitas. Different social statuses and backgrounds are fully set aside. Turner calls this social antistructure because nature is a universal and open-minded. There is a sense a strong sense of unity among everyone on the trail and nobody is left out because they all have the common goal and reaching the end of the trail. Communitas not only produces unity. It produces myths, rituals, symbols, and art. It is a vital part of a spiritual journey that creates a new society with no restrictions.