32 Comments

It certainly is shocking to see when the symbolism has changed so drastically from the European origin to the American interpretation. Except for the “cover your face in shame” part. Thank you Nancy.

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I really appreciate seeing these here before seeing them in person. Thank you.

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Interesting post! I had a similar reaction when I first saw them in southern Spain about 20 years ago. I live in Valencia now and I'm slowly getting used to seeing them during parades!

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Valencia is high on our list of places to visit….just looking for cheap airfares!

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It's a fabulous city, so much to see and SO much amazing food to eat. Definitely worth making a trip!

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One of my absolute favorite things about travel is to encounter something new, become fascinated by it, and learn all I can. Which is what recently happened to me with Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain.

Thanks for sharing this fascinating bit of history!

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I think part of the fascination is going down the rabbit holes that our curiosity leads us into. I just looked up Thomas Dixon and "The Clansman" and found it on Project Gutenberg, here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/26240/26240-h/26240-h.htm After reading Dixon's "To The Reader" introduction, I haven't decided if I'll read further. I might, because I think there are some clear echoes of that period in our present day culture.

Thanks, Nancy, for pointing the way to another interesting story.

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And now I'm two chapters into "The Clansman". It opens as the Civil War ends. Set in Washington, DC. Interesting characters. A story that sucked me right in. Not sure where it all leads, but I'll follow for awhile. It has some of the same feeling for the time as Whitman's "Specimen Days", though Whitman was reporting and remembering, not writing fiction.

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Glad I was able to give you something to do on a Monday.

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Thank you Nancy for this post. I had no idea about the history of this type of garment and the significance it has in countries like Spain. And yes, I believe that a majority of your readers love to travel and learn.

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Great post. I'll be sure to listen to your interview with Expats Everywhere. I also love how travel expands our horizons and opens up so much history. Thanks for sharing.

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You'll be the first to know when we get ours dates confirmed. It is our 25th anniversary.

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There are towns along the Sorrento coast (& on Procida & I think in Puglia maybe?) that have wear the same outfits. One day they wear black & another white. I have always wanted to go & learn more about it. Thanks for doing the research!

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OMG. That’s really something. I agree about traveling expanding your mind. But wow.

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Interesting and informative. Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing your interview-Joan

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Oh my gosh, yes, that would have been very shocking. Thanks for the historical wisdom.

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I'm excited to watch you on the podcast

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Interesting post! I think my reaction to these costumes would have been very similar to yours. I found this extremely interesting! Thank you so much!

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Thank you for the back story on this, Nancy! The deeper digging is something I really value in your posts (besides the fact that I'm usually 100% in agreement with your opinions!). Marita, RIbamar PT

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I can only imagine what Europeans might think should they see the reverse! I have also found in several encounters that folks not from the US often have insight into the origins of many traditions Americans take for granted. It can be humbling. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow in your EE interview. Tchau.

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Thank you so much for sharing this. I have the same visceral reaction when I see these outfits in Europe.

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