What does Pastoral mean?

Question

as in Pastoral(ism)

* easy to understand definition

* an example of it

* quick history

Answer 1

Pastoralism is the quality or style characteristic of pastoral writing; livestock raising; social organization based on livestock raising as the primary economic activity.

Pastoral is a type of literary work, poetry or drama; a rural picture or scene; a letter of a pastor to his charge.

Since there are many different meanings to Pastoral, please send us a specific example of the use of the word so we can explain that specific meaning.

Answer 2

pas·tor·al  

pas·tor·al [pástərəl]

adj

1.  rural: relating to the countryside or to rural life

pastoral living



2.  arts idealizing rural life: presenting an idealized image of rural life and nature

pastoral poetry



3.  of clergy: relating to religious ministers or priests or their duties  

4.  agriculture used for pasture: used to describe land that is used as pasture  

5.  giving advice to students: relating to the duties of a teacher who gives personal advice and support to students rather than just teaching them  

6.  agriculture of sheep or cattle: relating to or keeping sheep or cattle  

n (plural pas·tor·als)

1.  arts description of rural life: a literary work or painting that portrays rural life in an idealized way  

2.  music See pastorale

3.  christianity letter from a religious minister: a letter written by a religious minister to his or her congregation  

4.  christianity bishop’s staff: a staff carried by a bishop as a symbol of office  

[15th century. From Latin pastoralis , literally “to do with herdsmen or shepherds,” from pastor (see pastor).]

-pas·tor·al·ly, adv

Cultural Note

Pastoral Symphony, a composition (1808) by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Also known as Symphony No. 6 in F major, op. 68, this widely performed work was described by Beethoven as a “recollection of country life.” It describes a day’s outing to the Viennese countryside and features peasant dances, bird songs, and a storm.

Answer 3

This link will give you the info.:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?sear...

Answer 4

It originates meaning the lifestyle of shepherds or herders, or just having to do with rural life. Their job was moving around livestock to find larger areas of land and availability of water and feed. It also describes literature, art and music. There are types of music and art like pastoral art, pastoral music, pastoral poetry, and pastoral plays.

Answer 5

from pasture as in a green field -- landscape country setting

Answer 6

"1 a (1): of, relating to, or composed of shepherds or herdsmen (2): devoted to or based on livestock raising b: of or relating to the countryside : not urban <a pastoral setting> c: portraying or expressive of the life of shepherds or country people especially in an idealized and conventionalized manner <pastoral poetry> d: pleasingly peaceful and innocent : idyllic

2 a: of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation b: of or relating to the pastor of a church"