22nd Jan 2012✧11:03
Procession of Semana Santa in Seville.
As an Alabama native, the shape of the capirote raises some uncomfortable feelings even though they have nothing to do with the loathsome Ku Klux Klan. I have always been interested in how symbols and garment get perverted over time (swastika, pentagram, etc). I came across some gorgeous images of the Holy Week processions in Spain that piqued my interest. The capirote is no different, at least in how it has been used in the U.S.
The irony is that the capirote’s origins are rooted in Catholicism and the KKK is of course, anti-Catholic. In the U.S., it is a symbol of hatred, bigotry and ignorance yet during its use during the Spanish Inquisition, it was a used to shame and publicly humiliate condemned persons before they were put to death.
Today, they are worn during the Semana Santa processions to represent repentance, humility and mourning. The tradition dates back to medieval times and it is quite a shame that one extremist group has tainted the costume’s perception globally.
Beautiful, in both form and concept…it is making its way into my sketches. Visiting during Holy Week just made its way onto the top of my to do list.
Who wants to come to Spain with me? ♥♥♥
