It seems like the term “journey” has become quite popular nowadays, especially when referring to mental or spiritual growth. It’s often used to make everyday activities seem more significant and meaningful, which can come off as a bit pretentious to some. However, the word “journey” has been used in both literal and figurative contexts since its origins in Middle English in the 12th century.
Originally borrowed from the Old French word “journee,” which came from the Latin word “diurnum” meaning day, “journey” has evolved to represent a passage through life. In Modern French, “journee” can mean a day’s travel or work. The figurative use of “journey” was evident in Middle English writings like “Ancrene Riwle,” where it symbolized a spiritual pilgrimage.
By the late 13th century, “journey” also came to signify a day’s travel, typically estimated at 20 miles during the Middle Ages. The modern sense of “journey” as a distinct course of travel with a beginning and end emerged in the late 14th century.
While some may find the frequent use of “journey” to describe ordinary activities like gardening or playing music a bit overdone, it doesn’t necessarily bother everyone. In fact, the term has been used in various contexts over the centuries, reflecting different aspects of human experience.
To showcase the evolution of language, here’s a 14th-century lullaby that uses “journey” in a way that may make modern readers cringe. The excerpt highlights the timeless themes of mortality and human nature embedded in the word “journey.”
Child, you are not a pilgrim but an unknown guest, Your days are counted, your journeys are cast; Wherever you may go, to the north or east, Death will come to you with bitter sorrow in your breast Lullay, lullay, little child, Adam wrought this woe for you, When he ate the apple and Eve gave it to him.
[Note, Oct. 24, 2023: A reader of the blog asks whether the words “est” and “brest” at the end of the third and fourth lines of the lullaby above are supposed to rhyme. They no doubt were intended to rhyme. In Middle English, words were generally spelled as they were pronounced: “east” could be spelled “eest” or “est,” plus a few variations, and “breast” could be written “breest” or “brest,” plus variants.]
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