The Human Desire for Pilgrimage When nature comes alive people also feel alive Chaucer says Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages Then folk long to go on pilgrimages Spring makes people want to travel and pray From every city in England men and women travel joyfully to Canterbury They visit the holy blessed martyr Saint Thomas Becket Chaucer himself joins them at The Tabard Inn in Southwark The pilgrims journey shows the soul s path to faith and forgiveness Spring as a Symbol of Renewal The spring season is more than just beauty It is a symbol of hope and awakening Nature and human life rise together The season connects earthly joy with heavenly love Chaucer uses this joyful beginning to prepare the readers for a story full of life movement and variety Thus Chaucer begins the Prologue with the bright joy of spring It sets the mood of happiness hope and movement The sweet April morning becomes a picture of both nature s beauty and human devotion