The word "the Pilgrims" is spelled /ðə ˈpɪlgrɪmz/. The first sound in "the" is a voiced dental fricative. The "P" in "Pilgrims" is aspirated, meaning there is a small puff of air released when pronouncing it. The vowel sound in "Pilgrims" is a short "i" sound, followed by a "l" sound, and ending with a voiced "m". The stress is on the second syllable. Proper spelling is crucial, especially for historical figures like the Pilgrims, whose impact on American history is still felt today.
The Pilgrims refer to a group of English separatists who migrated to the New World, specifically to the area now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the early 17th century. They are often recognized as one of the earliest European colonial groups to settle in what is now the United States. The term "Pilgrims" commonly refers to the approximately 100 English men, women, and children who embarked on a treacherous voyage aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Their primary motivation for leaving England was to escape religious persecution and establish a community where they could freely practice their faith.
Upon arrival in Plymouth, the Pilgrims faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, unfamiliar terrain, and the absence of adequate shelter and supplies. Nevertheless, they formed a cooperative arrangement called the Mayflower Compact, which established a basic system of self-government. The Pilgrims' first winter in Plymouth was extremely difficult, resulting in the loss of many lives due to disease and starvation. However, they managed to make contact with a Native American tribe, the Wampanoag, who provided assistance and shared knowledge of local resources, enabling the Pilgrims to survive.
The Pilgrims are often celebrated for their contributions to American history, particularly for their role in the establishment of democratic principles and the tradition of Thanksgiving. Their determination, resilience, and pursuit of religious freedom have made them a symbol of American ideals, and their story continues to be taught in schools and commemorated through holidays and events.
The word "Pilgrims" originates from the Middle English word "pilgrim" which was derived from the Late Latin word "peregrīnus". In turn, "peregrīnus" was derived from the Latin word "peregrē" meaning "foreign" or "exotic". The original sense of "pilgrim" referred to someone who traveled to a foreign land, particularly for religious reasons or as a penance. Over time, the term became closely associated with the English Separatists who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the early 17th century, as they made a significant journey from England to the New World for religious freedom. Thus, "the Pilgrims" came to specifically refer to those early English settlers who traveled to North America on the Mayflower in 1620.