Date of Award
5-1993
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Communication
Abstract
For the past fifteen years Vietnamese people have made a pilgrimage from all over the United States and many other countries to the annual Marian Days Celebration held each summer in Carthage, Missouri. The observance is held to promote devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. For three days these people engage in prayer, renew their faith in God, renew old friendships, establish new ones, and attempt to preserve their culture. This annual influx of people, with a culture foreign to the area, has grown in such magnitude that it is now over four times larger than the population of the host city.
The purpose of this study was to identify problems that were experienced by the visitors and the people of the host city, what had been done to prevent or eliminate problems, why the event had grown to such a degree, and what led to this area being chosen for the pilgrimage.
Results of the study indicated an elaborate amount of preparation and cooperation between the local governmental agencies and the religious sponsors of the event. The research did not support the anticipated degree of resistance by the community to the celebration. However, the interest exhibited by out of state law enforcement agencies in the celebration was unexpected.
Specific observations were discussed, conclusions drawn, and recommendations given regarding further studies.
Recommended Citation
Patton, C. H., "MARIAN DAYS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF A VIETNAMESE RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEARTLAND OF AMERICA" (1993). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 200.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/200
Comments
v, 98 leaves : ill., map ; 28 cm. Bibliography: leaves 78-82