The Cistercian Order was officially established in 1107, promoting a return to monastic simplicity and manual labor. This movement sought to reform monastic life and had a profound impact on the religious landscape of Europe, emphasizing contemplation and community.

The Cistercian emphasis on simplicity and nature influenced poets like St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who wrote spiritual hymns and meditative poetry. The order's focus on the beauty of creation inspired a literary tradition that celebrated the divine in nature.