32 Comments
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Thomas Carl's avatar

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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Amy Redfield's avatar

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

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Caroline Stocks's avatar

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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Nancy Whiteman's avatar

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

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Caroline Stocks's avatar

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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Michael Jensen's avatar

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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MIke Johnston's avatar

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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MIke Johnston's avatar

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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Nancy Whiteman's avatar

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

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Thomas Hawker's avatar

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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Marie B.'s avatar

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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Susan West's avatar

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

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

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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Ron's avatar

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

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Joan Conrad's avatar

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

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Nancy Wagner's avatar

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

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Tom the Guacfarmer's avatar

I'm excited to watch you on the podcast

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Barb Smith's avatar

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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Marita's avatar

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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scott's avatar

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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Cie Scattergood's avatar

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

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