The exploration of pilgrimage, of pilgrims' distances, destinations and christian worship have for a long time been studied by historians, theologians and ethnologists. Modern authors and recent books say, pilgrimage is a field for permanent investigation. Illustrated calendars on pilgrimage, printed in the catholic "Weltbild" Publishing House, promise almost everything for good to motivate believers to go on pilgrimage. Research in pilgrimage concentrated on early periods and high times of

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... hipping and Christianity. The criticism of the 18 th and 19 th century was only sparely reflected. In contrast to the mainstream we concentrate on this critical period. The reason why pilgrims have been criticized since that time has to do with the contemporary legislation, the benevolent "Policey". Courts accused people of being lazy, work-shy and inward-looking. Quarrels turned around beer drinkers and alehouses next to churches and cemeteries. Last but not least employers and entrepreneurs said, there is a harmful overflow of church festivals und pilgrim-worshippings. They will ruin our economy!