Romeo compares Juliet to a holy shrine in act 1, scene 5. Here, Romeo is doing his best as he tries to get a kiss from Juliet as she stands on her balcony. Religious symbolism is used throughout Romeo's speech. After he touches her hand, Romeo says that maybe he...
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was too profane to touch something so special. In other words, Juliet is the holy shrine, and Romeo a mere worshipper. Romeo is offering up a very lofty compliment to Juliet while he simultaneously debases himself. This is a smooth move on Romeo's part. Juliet responds by telling Romeo that he is indeed worthy to touch her hand. Sticking with the "holy shrine"metaphor, Romeo suggests that their lips are "pilgrims" so that they may touch in a kiss. The use of religious imagery suggests the profoundness and purity of the connection between the two young lovers. Shakespeare is telling the audience that this is no ordinary infatuation, but something deep and even spiritual for Romeo and Juliet.