The spelling of "puritan cities" is fairly straightforward, with each word being pronounced much as it is spelled. "Puritan" is pronounced /ˈpjʊərɪtən/ with the stress on the first syllable, while "cities" is pronounced /ˈsɪtiz/ with the stress on the second syllable. This phrase refers to cities that were founded or heavily influenced by Puritan settlers in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries, such as Boston and Salem. These cities played a significant role in the history of the Puritan movement in America.
"Puritan cities" refer to urban areas that were established and influenced by the Puritan religious movement, particularly during the 17th century. The term is typically used to describe settlements in the New England region of the United States, where the Puritans sought religious freedom and a society based on their strict interpretation of Protestant Christianity.
These cities were characterized by a strong emphasis on religious beliefs, values, and practices. The Puritans aimed to build communities that were centered around their religious principles and sought to create a "city upon a hill" – a model society that would serve as an example to others. As a result, puritan cities were marked by a strong sense of collective identity, a commitment to moral virtues, and a focus on communal obligations.
These cities featured strict social structures and a theocratic form of governance, often led by religious leaders who played a significant role in shaping the community's laws and institutions. Education was also highly valued in puritan cities, with the establishment of schools and a focus on literacy and religious education.
While puritan cities were founded on principles of religious purity and moral rectitude, they were not always tolerant or inclusive. Non-Puritan beliefs and practices were often discouraged, and dissenters were sometimes subjected to social ostracism or even legal penalties.
Overall, puritan cities represent an important chapter in American history, as they shaped the cultural, social, and religious landscape of the early New England colonies, leaving a lasting impact on the development of American society.
The term "puritan cities" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two different words.
1. Puritan: The term "Puritan" originated in the context of the English Reformation during the 16th and 17th centuries. It derived from the Latin word "puritas", meaning "purity". Puritans were a group of English Protestants who aimed to purify the Church of England from what they considered to be Roman Catholic remnants and practices. The term "puritan" was later extended to describe individuals who were strict or rigid in their religious and moral beliefs.
2. Cities: The word "cities" comes from the Old French word "cite" and Latin word "civitas", both meaning "community" or "citizenship". These Latin roots trace back to the Proto-Indo-European word "kei-", meaning "to lie, settle".