"Pilgrim" Kim Kardashian And Ethel Cain Trend Explained—Here's Where The Viral TikTok Meme Came From

Photos of Kim Kardashian in long and modest yet stunning dresses are going viral on social media, and some have even dubbed the celebrity "Pilgrim Kim." Her photo shoot has been used in hilarious – yet totally relatable – memes. 

The pics have become a hit on TikTok, and the images are used in slideshows while “A House in Nebraska” by Ethel Cain plays in the background. But since the meme has popped off, people have been wanting the backstory of Kardashian’s photoshoot. When were these pictures taken? Why is she wearing these dresses?

There’s no denying that the snapshots are gorgeous – however, the “cottagecore” dresses are very much a contrast to Kim’s usual style. So, what’s the context behind these photos? 

“Pilgrim” Kim and Ethel Cain Meme Explained 

Contrary to what you may have read on social media, these photos aren't recent – and, no, Kardashian is not in her "meemaw era."

In 2008, the Keeping up with the Kardashians star was featured in Carine Roitfeld’s Fashion Book 13th issue as the “Pioneer Woman.” Roitfeld, who is the French fashion editor-in-chief for CR Fashion Book, was a model and the former editor-in-chief of Vogue from 2001 to 2011. Needless to say, Roitfeld is an icon in the fashion industry, and her work definitely proves it.

The shots of Kardashian were photographed by Jackie Nickerson and styled by Roitfeld herself. The images display the SKIMS founder in a series of luxurious pioneer dresses on picturesque farmland. Her makeup, done by Mario Dedivanovic, remained perfectly natural to match the homely apparel. Again, this covered-up version is pretty much the exact opposite of Kardashian’s typical glammed-up look, so people have been poking fun at it by generating creative memes!

So where does Ethel Cain come in?

Ethel Cain Explained

Here’s why people are using “A House in Nebraska” as the background song for the “Pilgrim Kim” posts. The dreamy album it comes from contains songs that focus on Southern Gothic themes like poverty, abuse, addiction, death, and transgenerational trauma. It was created by Ethel Cain – except Ethel's real name is Hayden Silas Anhedönia, and Ethel Cain is just a stage character to help craft the album Preacher's Daughter. Though Ethel Cain is a separate character made to create the album's story, the name is how the singer is known professionally today.

The album was inspired by gospel, country, and alternative music. Anhedönia was raised in Florida and came from a Southern Baptist family. Her father was actually a deacon, and she sang in the church choir when she was young. There's no doubt the musician's childhood helped shape the album and her style.

The singer recalled the time when Preacher's Daughter inspired her fans to dress up in pilgrim wear, saying, “They were drawing my tattoos on and wearing their weird white prairie dresses and pulling their hair back into a bun, looking like the baddest b*tch in the Amish village,” and added, “I was like, ‘This is so cute.’ I’d love to see more of it.”

As you can see, Anhedönia's Americana lifestyle helped pave the way for her music – and the wonderful Pilgrim Kim memes.

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