Gabino Ponce Herrero
The figure of Muhammad has become controversial icon for its meaning. But it is an old issue that has weighed on our festivals since its inception. an analysis of the different meanings of that figure is proposed through the ancient and recent history, on the basis of the evolution of such a symbol in the festival of Moors and Christians Sax.
1.- MONIGOTE OF A CULT ICON
Every year, after the first Embassy, a lively group of revelers climb the battlements of the castle to hoist a giant, moro dress, that encircles a formidable alfanje, whom we know as "Muhammad". It symbolizes the victory of the Moorish troops on Christian and rule over the small castle until fleetingly, the next day, with the victory and Christian reconquest of the fortress, the giant is dismantled, while flags were lowered should the crescent. With some modifications, the act is repeated in all the cities that celebrate Moors and Christians old.
The program oldest preserved holidays, edited 1889, includes among the acts of the day 2 February the following: Vespers finished in the Parish usual embassy of Moors and Christians will be verified and take the castle, placing on it the effigy of Mohammed ... And among the events of the day 3, after climbing to San Blas to his hermitage: ... march the groups retreating towards the square Parador, point where is located the Castle, with mock guerrilla, proceeding to the Embassy, Castillo and blasting takes the head of Muhammad.
Photo / Fig. 1.- Sax, Day input 2 February 1912. Castle is observed embassies, the Moros entering the plaza Cervantes, muskets in the act of guerrilla and, at the bottom, the effigy of Mohammed, closing the parade. Source: Photographic A. Martínez Castillo
Considered part of the intrigue of comedy represented during Embassies, as the battlements, banderas, costumes and fireworks, festeros few have seen in that giant symbol of another religion. Even today, so despite being warned about. In fact, I had to explain very well why, a partir of Vatican II, that giant cardboard should either disappear from the holidays or not vejado, as was the inveterate habit sajeña.
In 1965 Vatican II ended, chaired by Paul VI, with the agreement, among others, to promote greater respect for other religions, as it reflected in the document Nostra Aetate, on the relations of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, which he stated "The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims who worship the one God, living and subsisting, merciful and almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, who spoke to men, even the hidden pains to submit all the soul as Abraham submitted to God, whom the faith of Islam complacently. Venerate Jesus as a prophet, Although not acknowledging him as God; honor Mary, His virgin Mother, and sometimes devoutly invoke ... If in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and enmities between Christians and Muslims emerged, this sacred synod urges all to, forget the past, seek and promote together social justice, moral goods, peace and freedom for all men ... The Church, therefore, reproves, as foreign to the spirit of Christ any discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race or color, class or religion. The weight of the new Catholic doctrine was such that in Spain, despite many and great limitations, Two years later, in 1967, the first Freedom Act was approved religiosa1.
Peers also point problem as the cause of independence from the French and Spanish colonies in Morocco, in 1956, and Algeria 1962, with consequent return sajeños (and other towns alicantinos), ancient settlers expelled, They are explaining the rawness of the new confrontation between Arabs and settlers -moros and Christians, while claims, Refunds and surveys required by the new governments of these independent countries, including the Spanish protectorate in Morocco in 1958. It is not unfounded story, as will be seen later, and it has a very interesting political background, until now rarely analyzed.
From there, in some villages ceased to "get to Muhammad", relegated somewhere in the barracks or festero, and Sax, He was continued serving well sneaking and, then, with respect to its new status gave him religious icon. It should be noted that, also in the mentality of the sajeños the past Mohammed, since then, espantajo it is mocked be cult, care and even pampered, accompanied on his annual climb to the castle with all sorts of fanfares and absolute composure. The Night and treachery that the giant was installed at the fort has passed a deep sense of pride in the Comparsa de Moros to be the custodians of this great figure, pride manifested in organizing a parade of glitz to accompany Muhammad castle to cuartelillo.
2.- A reprehensible PAST
You have the fattest head that Muhammad! It is traditional in Sax said that, like other things in our past, it loses. It refers of course to the size of the giant's head, but more than physiologic has the figurative sense of stubborn or headstrong. It also hear ... I be more Stretch that Muhammad! of ser un ... ¡Mahomo! Definitely, are appeals to a character conceived in the past as grotesque puppet, to which a courageous group of revelers sajeños out for a walk in carriage dolled as the culmination of parades, between songs and teasing, more act of the Carnival of the increasingly stiff festive liturgy.
In its early days it was stooge of sticks, with a false suit largely painted directly on wood, decades later adorned with simple -Blue fabrics for body and red cloak, with articulated arms, at least where the right-hander carried a formidable wooden blade. Cardboard head modeling, outlining a more Western features that Arabs: in fact, If you look in detail tested as attached images are much more sallow faces of sajeños of the time that of Muhammad. Cabezon could move, from left to right, slightly, from top to bottom. Moves more than enough for the mob could engage with the giant quarrelsome monserga:
-¿Muhammad ... you want water?… and the giant denied turning his head from left to right
-¿Muhammad ... want wine?… and the giant moving up and down said head, before the popular rejoicing, who also had questions if I wanted mojama.
a complete interrogation so happened to derision and laughter giant mass of people gathered (as seen in the images) in fun and naive act, to which later motejó of public sin.
But ... if something big had the stooge was pure: caliqueño tremendous pretended that a truck with thunder, which he was set on fire after the embassy, so that the final firecracker exploded shattering the giant's head. A) Yes, each year renewed head, whose character was at the mercy of the master fallero, defrayed by Stewardship at least until the years 1960, although it is possible that, previously, both his figure as the party around it were collected by participants so rampant act that reminds, at least in the formal, Also missing the parades and bacala at the end of the Moors and Christians: Popular, bulliciosos, and satirical bullangueros.
In the festival program 1954, an ironic article by Joaquín Barceló (1954) recounts the joyful parade of Muhammad as popular manifestation, aboard a wagon "wittily decked with boughs", loaded with a "... large wine barrel carries his green chariot to strengthen the spirit of those who sit falter in his struggle ..." He points to the disciplinary nature of all festive events and, A) Yes, explanation lies in the parade of Muhammad in "... the arrival of the representative of African power giant". That may be, definitely, the most cursory reading of the meaning of Muhammad in the Moors and Christians. But the more detailed analysis of the satirical tone of the article and the components of the Mohammedan entourage, other disciplinary transpires message: the incarnation of the popular vices -the joy, revelry and a "straightjacket" debauchery- triggered by the intake of wine, allowed as the first act of an exemplary novel, the next day, Uplifting ends with the death of his main incarnation: Muhammad and / or sin.
Photo / Fig. 2.- Sax, the Muhammad 1915, on Calle Progreso. On the carriage enramado the accompanying donosos, dressed, some with turbans, flaunting drinks. Source: A.F.A.M. Castillo
In other towns (maybe sometime Sax), finished the embassy and the Muhammad defunct by the explosion, they proceeded to a grotesque burial of the body, entre ayes, lamentations and wine, like formation in the burial of the sardine. Today the rearward act still represents in many towns, more or less respect, in the midst of a process of reflection on the meanings that people give: end the evils of collective catharsis year, as it is done in failures; and those from elsewhere want to assign to the act: contempt for religion.
Definitely, that representation could hurt the feelings of Muslims. Sax is said common (urban legend) it was left to exploit his head "because a Moor who went through the holidays saw him and complained". In the background behind an interested manipulation of the figure of Muhammad, by the political and religious powers, It is crawling since ancient times: militia and allied true faith against the common enemy by African and Mohammedan. In that sense, it must be remembered that political interests and armed clashes between Spain and North Africa did not end, much less, with the reconquest. Wars against Morocco occur from 1859 until 1975: wars in Africa and in Margallo s. XIX, and Melilla, Rif and the Sahara in the s. XX. But also on home soil there were clashes, taking into account the entrance of the Mamluks Napoleon 1808, whose costumes inspired many of the groups of Alicante Moors among them that of Sax. -Marroquíes each other and mamluks- They were the enemy by nature of the Spanish armies in the s. XIX, forging new legend was coining patriotic values that romanticism, with such a deep impression on the texts of our embassies festeras, in costumes and even the festive charges.
Photo / Fig. 3.- Sax. The guerrillas of the day 2 February 1916. The bullanguera court of Muhammad outside the solemnity of the act. Source: A.F.A.M. Castillo
3.- PROPHET MOHAMMED NEW RENEWED FAITH THEREOF
Not much is known of the origins of Muhammad (Muhammad), although it is believed that he was born around the year 571, in Mecca, within a poor family. The orphaned, six years was collected and raised by his uncle, and initiated in trading caravans Arabia. At twenty-five married a rich widow, He could settle in better-off form and interested in the two monotheistic religions of the time: Judaism and Christianity. In a process of growing spirituality, forty years began to retreat into the wilderness, as did other hermits, in order to reflect. There he received the revelation of God and Allah- through the archangel Gabriel, making way for a new religion, like others in its origins, We placed the social equality and brotherhood. Thus, the prophet was followed by the poor and persecuted by the powerful, to be forced to flee to another city, Yatrib o Medina, in the year 622: this trip is known as the Hegira, and is the starting point of the Muslim calendar (for the year Christian 2016 It is the year 1437).
With this trip began to expand throughout Asia and North Africa a new monotheistic religion, based on the precept "there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet", with five basic obligations contained in the Qur'an: the belief in one God, the sentence, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in life. For Islam, Mohammed is the last prophet sent by God to update its message, after sending prophets with the same task, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
Through a combination of bold preaching and war, Islam came to Gibraltar and easily jumped the narrow: in just fifteen years, between 711 and the 725, the Arabs conquered practically the whole Iberian Peninsula. The first to cross the strait was Tariq ibn Ziyad, governor of Tangier, in whose honor was baptized: Gibraltar the Djebel Táriq; this is, Mountain Táriq). With the disappearance of Don Rodrigo, also it vanished the Visigoth power and clearly threatened the power of an intriguing Catholic Church, He is administering justice and removed and put kings.
It did not disappear Christianity, in fact he continued to be practiced and Christians under Islamic rule, They were able to maintain their beliefs and were called mozárabes. In our lands he survived the Christian kingdom of Teodomiro of Orihuela: the Heart of Tudmir, where presumably the place was composed of Sax and mozárabes. However, power is the power and gradually most of the locals were adapting to the new culture, so that Islam and Arab culture eventually lording all, especially in the dominant structures of the old feudal regime.
4.- ENEMY MUHAMMAD OFFICIAL OF CHRISTIANITY
Many authors who question the supposed harmonious coexistence of the three monotheistic religions in medieval Spain. It is considered that, indeed, among the popular classes there were too many frictions. But nevertheless, among the elites leaders soon began misgivings, blind power struggles and intrigues, to the extent that clear desprestigios campaigns of one and the other be organized, orchestrated, in each case, by religious hierarchies.
In the Christian tradition, which it is what we want to know the evolution of the concept of Muhammad, a vigorous line opened scholastic thought aimed at refuting the other monotheistic religions, philosophically trying to prove their status as mere heresies. They appeared extensively in the European Middle Ages, numerous texts written on purpose to demonize Islam, which start as early as the seventh century, but they reached its peak during the IX centuries XVII, coinciding with the strength (and threat) Arab power over Europe by all sides and momentum, first crusades for the conquest of the holy places, and later to the reconquest of Spain.
That mission, Christians polemists inks loaded against the figure of Muhammad, noted that, first as a false prophet and then, not happy about it, as Islam continued to expand successfully, he was identified as a compendium of all vices. Or so when Don Artal de Alagón tried the conquest of Ramon Llull Sax was born in Palma de Mallorca (1232-1315). Beato, philosopher and theologian, wise ordered his pen to the service of Christianity writing, among other, puerile Doctrine, Liber disputation Raimundi christiani you Saraceni Homeric against Antichrist and the Book, which he puts pains to point out that Muhammad was a lustful man and full of vices, which was identified with the antichrist:"Mafumet fo man very luxurious and had wives IX, ab ac pariah and many others fembres, very wide and gave the sect; and the width which gave, the people had in his words creensa, And after his death followed the sect "
Apologists payroll was wide. By the time, Ramón Martí the Dominican (1230-1286) He is writing his De Seta Machometi o origine, progress and at the end of four rejection of Muhammad and his prophecy: "To prove that Muhammad was not a prophet or messenger of God, as claimed by the Saracens, They are perishing miserably to follow their blasphemies and errors ... "
Photo / Fig. 4.- Prints of Muhammad and Ramón Llull. Source: www.ruizhealytimes.com
In that same tradition they were expressed many scholars, among which it is worth noting the Belgian Denys van Leeuwen or Dionysius the Carthusian (1402-1471) y su obra other hand, Mohammed, four infidelity, in keeping the discourse on trying to prove that Muhammad is a false prophet, a heretic and, in line vexatious, described as bloody and lustful person, scandalous sexual promiscuity: whore or prostitute women;, y lubricissimus and libidinosissimus. The Carthusian noted that the founder of Islam came to have a harem 17 women, while Muslims were allowed to have up to four wives (and you disown).
Very recently, Karen Armstrong has said that the unprecedented efforts that put over the centuries polemicists of the Christian side to blame Muhammad every imaginable sexual perversions was due to "undisguised envy felt at the sight of so indulgent and lax religion in this matter against the rigidity of a Church he imposed their clergy celibacy: amazing stories about the sexual life of Muhammad reveal much more about the repressions of Christians on the life of the prophet himself " (Armstrong, 2005).
Even more, not only on this earth were most promising parabienes embracing Islam, but also in the hereafter, stage for the Koran promised believers a projection of all earthly pleasures: delicacies, luxurious dresses, lush gardens, beautiful women. Dionysius the Carthusian while trying to convince their co-religionists that man was not created for the pleasures of the flesh "common to pigs and dogs", but to join God "because the union is true happiness and supreme perfection of man". With this good news, It is understood better than in 15 Muslims conquered Spain years and the people resisted 780 years to be reconquered.
5.- The first representations of the figure of Muhammad FESTIVALS
It seems clear that, for the leaders of the medieval Christian Church, the figure of Muhammad should embody all sorts of vices and, therefore, It was tremendous icon to embody evil, at a time when few had access to the luxury of reading and doctrine he should get more eyes than by letters. So Christian imagery was forged, to show live, lifelike sculptures, the profound drama of the Christian passion. Conversely, Koran forbids the representation of the human figure, so the "battle of the image" they had lost from the outset by not replicate Prune.
In the Christian world, scenographic demonstrations figures are very old. They are represented at least since the twelfth century during the great courtesans parties, as small comedies or farces developed between courses of the great feasts, hence the name of antipasto. According to Joan Amades (1952), religious party took part in the scenic apparatus, He took him out into the street and magnified, adding various biblical figures, no other profane characters arrived entirely disappear. With the aim of providing the feast of Corpus Christi maximum grandiosity, palatal antipasto were copied and were taken to the street to the delight of the common people and naive, that watched spellbound. He notes that the first performance of the Eucharist as the Corpus Christi procession with plastic known antipasto is the year 1391.
Conversely, when it came to hold extraordinary and feasts in cities, as feats of arms, births of princes, royal weddings or royal visits, City street trying to emulate the splendor of the Corpus Christi procession, but without the Holy. They took to the street figures of all kinds, representations of biblical characters and profane characters, to dance, parading and represent small battles.
Examples of the use of iconography in other celebrations of Corpus appear from the late Middle Ages, especially in lands of Andalusia, where the Christian conquest advanced day and were more accurate advertising strategies in defense of the Christian faith and, course, against the Islamic faith. Particular interest the conference of parties that organized the very gallant Don Miguel Lucas, Condestable Iranzo (Eisman, 1998). In his court, established in Jaen from 1461, They were frequent galas and dinners to celebrate the different holidays of the year, as relates Contreras: "at night, after dinner, almost fulfilling a ritual dance with the earls and his family opens, not to mention the jousting and other weapons exercises ... The first Sunday after Easter Christmas constable invited to eat the lords of the cathedral and at night, after dinner, dances are, dances and something like a theatrical performance in the Chronicle called "momos and personages"
Much more interesting is the chronicle of the celebrations organized by the Condestable year at Christmas 1463: "With a pronounced taste for morisco. Nearby were the wars with the Moors of Granada and the eventful life of the border also draws on the life of every day so that this time the parties have a strong emphasis on these issues:"And the Moors pretended come with king of Morocco, Trayan his kingdom and to his prophet Mahomad front of the house of Mecca, with the Koran and books of his law ... with many trumpets and kettledrums front ... it Enbio with two knights to own a scarlet letter that Mr. Condestable ".
In Malaga 1487 a procession was held with the scenery to celebrate the conquest of the city. In 1492 He was repeated in Granada after being occupied by the Catholic Monarchs. Many other style celebrations punctuate the XV, XVI and XVII. In Madrid, in 1623 a 'procession of crosses was organized, pennants, brotherhoods, giants, dances and inventions as the day of Corpus " (Portús, 1993).
Apparently, were the first giant figures Goliath, conquered by King David, and San Cristobal, which they were gradually losing its biblical meaning, perhaps because of its alternation of religious events and entertainment, to develop and expand during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries as giant groupers, which they are represented as a strong and fierce warrior, armed to the teeth (see Muhammad Sax 1915).
And one other reason can be traced to the origin of our Muhammad. religious character in which all evils are embodied, against the virtues of the other biblical characters, and the giant instead of fierce aspect in which the strength of the defeated enemy incarnates: the stronger the greater glory of the vanquished is the victor.
Many researchers agree that the influence of the Corpus celebrations, with all its paraphernalia, They have had in organizing other festivals. In fact, compare with other motives holidays celebrated with magnificence of the feasts of Corpus was common in all cities, to review the efforts made by the Council or the Lord headline in organizing more prosaic celebrations.
It is debated whether the first celebration of the feast of Corpus was in Cologne 1279, of Toledo 1280, of Seville 1282 or Barcelona. That party received a boost with the Council of Trent, conceived since as a combative celebrations against heresy, Profile of propagandistic marked with the proven efficiency of wearing religious scenery in such massive and ostentatious public demonstrations. As stated in the text of the Council itself (López, 1847): "... that the custom of celebrating with special veneration and solemnity every year, in a day appointed and festive, This sublime and revered Sacramento, and driving it in honorable and reverently processions through the streets and public places ...(will make that) the truth so victoriously triumph of lies and heresy, his enemies in sight of such splendor, and witness the great joy of the universal Church, or weakened and broken consumed with envy, or embarrassed and confused once again whether "
Corpus acquired all its glory beyond a mere sacramental representation and was content, both, as a civic procession, with a strongly hierarchical structure, reflecting the prevailing social order in which, besides religious elements, there was a large participation of elements of popular raigambre, as the giants, dances and varied scenery. In Madrid, in 1481 the Council undertakes, under penalty of a fine, that all craft guilds of the city available out in the procession, after the civil and religious authorities and, standard of special interest to our parties (Cayetano, 2002):"... And they sent the Moors and the Jews squeeze out that day, the Moors their games and dances, so it a feather ... "
Photo / Fig. 5.- Giants Corpus processions of Maià (year 1936) and Tarragona (year 1865). a period costume very similar to Christians observed Sax. Source: Amades, 1952, Catalan customs
The Spanish monarchy supported and reinforced these celebrations, in which popular participation was growing while they did dances, Profane scenographic giants and floats and allegorical plays the triumph of the true faith over heresy in the street, until Carlos III decrees purists, late s. XVIII, and Charles IV in the early s. XIX tried to curb these demonstrations, reaching ban dances, gigantones and comedies in the Corpus. Just as the so-called reorganization of the Moors and Christians and the appearance of the first troupes begins. It is a question that certainly requires greater attention among historians party, to follow the possible linkages; very specific, It deserves careful monitoring the newest collection of the Laws of Spain, sanctioned by Carlos IV in 1805 because it involves reorganization of daily life in the villages, from the local administration, to parties and reorganization of the councils.
It must be noted that in the Corpus Christi procession, He joined during the Baroque figure Tarasca, with possible origin on the feast of the Tarasque of Tarascón, which originated in medieval legend narrates as an extraordinary animal and evil, who lived in a nearby cave city (and theatrically it depicted as a dragon or great serpent) He was defeated by Santa Maria, arrival in France from the Holy Land, achieving with this victory the conversion of all the inhabitants of the city to Christianity. But the iconography of the Virgin victorious over the dragon (see similarity Sant Jordi) He became popular taste to the simple woman, satirically dressed every year in the latest fashion (as a criticism of vanity), or the deepest victory over the beast beautiful sense and good over evil.
Tarasca out accompanied by giant, whose meaning varied over the years: well represented deadly sins, While characters from different parts of the world wearing their robes, While different virtues, While the historical past of the city: in Granada represent the Moorish kings, Boabdil and Moraima, Christians and Ferdinand and Isabella. During the s. XVIII, in general, in Spain the basic giants were four and representing Spanish, Turkish, black and Moors.
further, at least in Madrid, tarascas and giant out accompanied by some young men who were called "mojigón", term derived from the play called "mojiganga", consisting of a short text in verse, comic-burlesque and musical character, for finale, predominance of confusion and deliberate nonsense with. Both features reminiscent of the bacala in Sax, and other acts end Moors and Christians in neighboring cities. Probably, mojiganga is that most resembled the acts of accompaniment Sax Muhammad in his playful journey to the castle battlements embassy until the Moros charge of it would make, reorganizing el procession: a solemn procession of mojiganga.
Possibly reminiscent of that mojiganga more developed in our lands is the pantomime of Biar -comedia buffa developed in the street- Ball followed by spies, accompanying the giant figure Muhammad between satiric verses
As well, in the celebrations of Corpus 1482 in Madrid, in view of the visit of Queen Isabel the Catholic, They came giants, dances and mojigones: Men and women dressed in Moorish representing angels disguised in rudimentary street mojiganga Angels victory over the Moors and ended with the beheading of Muhammad, a dummy was then burned (Portús, 1993). Although one thing can not be directly deduced other, there can be no greater resemblance to our Muhammad: Mojigng, decapitation and fire monigote.
In the history of Sax, Francisco Juan and Marco, published in 1920, the following description of a singular act review: Atop the Castle, ie on the first floor, the statue of "Mohammed" burns; explodes, to burn his head, with a pump, thus ending the function ... A typical note there this holiday season: the ridiculous effigy of Mohammed ... The first day garrisoned the castle Christians, under the banner of the cross ... After the first embassy, after martial drill, They are defeated by the Moors and Christian flags being replaced by Crescent; then driven in a modest carriage adorned with green branches of poplar, and accompanied by masked men with their gesticulations that produce the hilarity of the crowd, the false prophet triumphant march: grotesque puppet that moves the arms and head.
The treacherous entertainment to Muhammad there are different photographs of early twentieth century (figures 2 Y 3). You may at other times such acts were well organized way to dance or dance, Pelaez Gil says (2001), such as the Dance of the spy Biar, or other dances of Moors who have survived in the Corpus Christi processions and other traditional festivals, as the dance of Moors and Christians in Alagón, or dances of Moors and Christians in Mexico and Peru. In any case, the sajeñas celebrations that survived until the last third of the last century were closer to the Spanish mojiganga and Pantomime Biar.
Photo / Fig. 6.- Sax. The Muhammad arriving in his car, with its cheerful courtship, Castle embassies. Year 1915. Source: A.F.A.M. Castillo
6.- Gender change in the festivities MOHAMMED
Another issue as tricky as its origin is experienced gender change, at least, in the name of the figure of Muhammad: Why instead of Muhammad? So far we have seen how the oldest references always presented a virile man (and even prolific) in their relationships with women. On the other hand, in the figurations as giant appears as Superman, of fierce face, in the proportions some supernaturals guess. This is, ultimately the classical allusions away completely from a presumable effeminate figure or gender confused.
A tentative explanation can be followed from the classical account of Muhammad as the embodiment of absolute evil for medieval Christians, at the same time, In another line of scholastic thought more developed than even the dedicated to Muhammad, blamed women the same role incarnation of absolute sin: the original sin.
From the earliest days of Christianity the woman described as the culprit of the downfall of the World. In Genesis 3:1-16, It is explicit as Eve was seduced by the serpent and who gave Adam the forbidden apple. Hence a whole theory that blames women derives (Timoteo 2:14), He is having deceived Adam, and hence, being responsible for sin. Very seated between parents considered the Church, Tertullian of Carthage (155-245 d.C.) He drew these conclusions from the reading of biblical texts: “Every woman should be… walking like Eva, heartbroken and regretful, so that for every garment of penance, she can more fully atone for what she got from Eva, stigma, I mean, the first sin, and detestation (attached to it as the cause) of human destruction.
The rhetoric against women attained particular significance in the work of Ambrosiaster (s. IV D.C.), he had great prestige throughout the Middle Ages, through the enactment of Gratian (year 1140) that would govern that particular line of thought of the Catholic Church until 1917: “Women must cover their heads, because they are not the image of God. They must do this as a sign of submission to authority and because sin entered the world through them ".
The same prejudices are on the reformist churches, where the post-scholastic theology remained misógina, as expressed by John Knox (1514-1572) concerning the Reformation or Protestant Schism, after Luther and Calvin.
generalized and assumed as a natural question, the social role of women has always been undervalued because of their alleged guilt, circumstantially giving way to a real persecution and even hatred towards women. Evidence of this are the persecutions during the Middle Ages that women who dared to leave the standard, considered immediately as witches, to which he had to hunt and, course, subjecting them to a refiner's fire (as the figure of Muhammad).
Catholic book The Witches Hammer (Malleus Maleficarum), Dominican theologians written by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger was recommended by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484 as "instruction manual against rare women". In this work it is said: “What could be a woman, but the enemy in friendship, an inescapable punishment, a necessary evil, a natural temptation, a desirable calamity, a domestic danger, an enjoyable detriment, an evil nature, painted beautiful colors.”
Thus, switching fabric of Figure Muhammad might have occurred at some point assimilation, in popular consideration, of the two main traditional custodians of sin and absolute evil: women and Muhammad.
Another approach to the phenomenon can be done through a sociological and, specific, from thought working on gender and the roles assigned to each of the people according to their sex. In the scientific debate usually it described gender as a social construct and sex as a biological. From there it is considered gender as an invention and a clear imposition from power structures, in the hands of men from ancient (supported by narratives and texts, as the Bible) it would be necessary to strengthen to extend the dominance of men over women.
Applied this thought to puppet figure representing Mohammed, to debase, First we should strip him of his status as male.
The same concept underlies the process of objectification, according to which, a person ceases to be treated as such for the condition attributed object. Figure rhetoric has been widely used in the literature. Renaissance poetry, for example, transforms the woman into a real luxury item made of precious materials. Closest to our goal objectification process developed during the Baroque as a satirist mechanism to degrade, reminds the sonnet dedicated by Francisco de Quevedo (1580-1645) Gongora (or rather, his prominent nose): "Once upon a man stuck a nose, Once upon a superlative nose ... "
It may therefore be due to a literary artifice of rhetoric with the clear purpose of satire and degradation. That way, It should also be noted that, once reified the concept of Muhammad and, so, deprived of its status as a person and prophet, It would become the understanding of the working classes as a mere object, created and recreated every year for divertimento.
In sociological process that would take place a phonological standard long-distance adjustment in the allocation of male and female, prevalent in rural areas and among the most popular layers, according to, because the thing called Mohammed ends in "a", is substantive in women and the item belongs is not the. It is a common phenomenon in popular speech to balance the gender concept with the morpheme to which it is allocated and, so, determinants matching items: the Muhammad.
7.- THE SAX IN MAHOMA
7.1.- Symbol of the power of the side Moro (Arab world)
Analysis of collected acts as officers in the annual festival program, Generosity made by San Blas, it follows that the effigy was directly responsible for the festera institution and in the s. XIX. Figure Muhammad was an essential part of the staging of conquest and reconquest of the castle embassies. In all programs preserved Sax parties from 1889 until 1916, noting the "official acts" (and therefore organized by the Generosity San Blas) the phrase is repeated: "... the Moors and Christians embassy and take the Castle will be checked by placing on it the effigy of Mohammed" referring to the embassy first day (Celebrated on 2 February); and the Embassy of the day following: "... After this, a decision Castle and blowing up the head of Muhammad ".
the period 1917-1934 Stewardship has not kept holiday programs. But it is symptomatic that from the program 1935 (until the present) any reference to Muhammad no longer appear between acts or official engagements of the groups and, thus, of Stewardship, Although this still keeping the stooge, buying head and ordering his transfer and assembly embassies Castle (perhaps by delegates festeros). It is possible that something had to see the high republican sentiment of Sax (manifest in one of his troupes dedicated to Garibaldi) and the enactment, in 1933, of the Law of Confessions and Religious Congregations, which it eliminated privileges to the Catholic Church and consecrated religious freedom and respect for other existing religions in Spain (Gazette, 3/06/1933). In that sense, it would be interesting to check in earlier programs to the enactment of the Act if they are still maintained or mentions Muhammad.
The oldest preserved to the present image is a photograph dated in 1912, intuits where a giant head with inordinate, perhaps to highlight their grotesque appearance, perhaps because of lack of skill of the craftsman who shaped the head. In subsequent photographs a better balance is found between the proportions of the torso and head, according to the canons of iconography of the Catalan giants, where the objective is not to ridicule Figure, if not, On the contrary, show the image of a fierce warrior. The latter criterion is that remained by the last performances, It is becoming more realistic time in which the Sphinx has lost Muhammad fierceness and Arab traits that characterized it in the past (today presents clear Caucasian features).
Photo / Fig. 7.- Muhammad heads Sax 1912, 1915a, 1915b, 1916, 1935, 1952, 1993 Y 2016. Source: A. F. A. M. Castillo, Photography J.M.. Espí San Blas and Generosity
As regards the suit, It observed a clear evolution from a basic figurative painting lines on wood to a full costume Moros. Images of 1915 Y 1916 a body-painted wooden fashion costume seen moro, with open vest over a war (all figurative) where six-pointed star appears on a crescent, and on the back a simple white layer. You can not see if he was wearing pants. In the photos 1912 Y 195, head looks compact wood, bulges, on which it is a kind of mask topped off with a medieval helmet with two small ornaments shaped feathers. But nevertheless, pictured 1916 the head is clearly the round, paper mache and probably goes without helmet or turban.
In the image 1935 a disproportionate head is observed over a much smaller body (almost not appreciated), again it is adopting the features of a helmeted warrior. Pictured 1952 a new body is seen, vest painted on wood, but with what they already seem a cloth garments: dark pants (Once such red) and cummerbund clear. With a head of grotesque appearance and dark complexion without a hat or helmet. In another photo 1954 the body is seen headless, and all dressed in cloth: dark pants, clear cummerbund, warrior white vest over another color. In 1988, when the Moros definitely wore the Muhammad with his current outfit, remplazaba a blue warrior, a white layer and, occasionally, a red fez, as it is shown in the drawing Blas Hernandez 1954.
Photo / Fig. 8.- The Sax Muhammad 1954, according Blas Hernández. Source: Parties Sax program, 1954
The variety in appearance seems only reflects the taste of the craftsman in charge of realizing, that the mid-twentieth century was one such Gilito and, after, a member of the family of Lagartos. Made of cardboard softened, pressing on a plaster cast by the "handshake procedure”, ended painting is a shallow features, enough for ephemeral mission. Sometimes warrior wearing a helmet and sometimes was discovered. Some remember to use a centerboard painted as head, who enjoyed the same condition fragile and easily breakable part after the protocol chusco.
My father, then Secretary of Stewardship of San Blas in the years 1960, I note that the former head of Muhammad's made by a local craftsman decried "the Lizard", with wet paper and glue, such as faults are concocted by the time. For some years, from manufacture through the holidays, He was kept at my parents (and I could play with the big cabezón few days). But, the alligator, He is having the mold head, I stopped charging various services to the Stewardship: "... it fooled another year and returned to deliver a new head, but the next he decided to break the mold to avoid being forced to collaborate with the Stewardship, that a few days before the holidays ". A) Yes, when vespers were overseers to request new delivery, they found headless, broken the mold, without the possibility of forcing the generosity of the Lizard.
In this frame of mind, Stewardship reached for influence and neighboring towns searched for a head of Muhammad borrowed. They even tried to buy it in some factories dolls and Onil Biar, but no manufacturer committed to delivering in so little time. After several fruitless efforts, finally they found in Castalla, thanks to the good negotiations with Don Toribio, famous priest of that city. Moros were Grocs (Yellows Moors) who lent the head with the proviso that not explode and be returned in perfect condition to Castalla (something like the loan between Biar and Villena). In this castallense comparsa old plaster cast is still saved, although new Mahomets, and Sax, They have already been charged to falleros teachers. A) Yes, this year will not be exploded, but it did not cause much discomfort because he was imposing respect for other religions driven by religious authorities. For stewardship would be a relief, no longer they had to worry about renewing the head of Muhammad: coincided religious and economic aspects.
They say that the body "slept" all year in the cellar of RIVELLES, in the neighborhood of the station, where he sat and prepared the parrandero pageantry that accompanied to the castle embassy. The oldest images show the Muhammad on a carriage decorated with pine branches, on which also they were perched some zagales, perhaps he is singing songs and letrillas along the parade, and suggests both guitars appearing in photos, like wine that runs between the companions.
Photo / Fig. 9.- Sax. The parade Muhammad 1935. Source: A.F.A.M. Castillo
7.2.- political symbol
If the first half of the twentieth century pageantry reaching the castle seems a whole complex action protocol (with the usual refrain of interrogation ... Muhammad ... want mojama?… and blowing head), mediated the century their uprising on the battlements was already minor issue, carried out by the stewards own, after the first Embassy. In that trajín memory, among others, a butler everlasting: Christopher "the Rastrillaor".
As it is said, since 1935 until the present, holiday programs any reference disappears the figure of Muhammad, as his would have ceased to be an essential element for Stewardship. Nevertheless, he was making his pompous and popular parade and his effigy was placed on the castle battlements embassy. It has been insistent that were religious issues (Second Vatican Council de 1959) responsible for the growing respect for the figure of Muhammad. We do not deny, but now we venture another hypothesis, such time complementary to the above-by the unity between the Franco regime and the Catholic-Church, or at least with the same overtones of reality.
In the post-Civil War years and after the Second World War, Spain was isolated from the Western powers. In that context, Franco, military Africanist, He developed a strategy to approach the United States offering to mediate with the Islamic world: Mediterranean partnership should be the complement of the Atlantic Pact to curb the spread of the USSR (Fisac, 2013: 288 y ss.). That would be the origin of the "traditional policy of friendship" Franco with the countries of North Africa: Arab League, which led him to favor the process of independence of the European colonies, including paradoxically the Spanish protectorate in Morocco, attitude that surprised opponents in the exilio2.
Photo / Fig. 10.- Sax. The Muhammad Castle embassies in 1952. It looks like a painted body, but with cummerbund and pants fabric. Source: A.F.A.M. Castillo
In the process, in 1952, Indalecio Prieto himself wondered how a "cross defender of Catholicism could become protector of Islam" 3, Commenting on the statement following the Arab world Caudillo 1951: "Spirituality, tradition and religious sense that have always characterized your life and hold fast as the most precious jewel ... are common to those of us, lovers of their faith and traditions, we have been defending in this western spur of old Europe spirituality and religious meaning of life " (Franco, 1955). The dictator, despite its military history, He defended the idiosyncrasies of the Arab peoples, faithful devotees of Muhammad, as a counterpoint to Soviet materialism against which began to acquire relevance. While the Western and Soviet world as marginalizing, trababa multitude of relations with Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon or Pakistan and even Morocco -a back the French and against the independentistas interests of riff-.
In 1955, the newspaper ABC picked up this interesting news: Rabat, 28. Democratic Independence Party has appealed to the people, in which he says that the time for reconciliation and The sacred union! It has sounded for all patriots. The Glaui adds- form and in the ranks of restoration movement and national liberation. A thought that should encourage all Moroccans: continue the struggle for the immediate return to Rabat from our well loved Sultan, for what, under his aegis enlightened, Morocco recover its prosperity, Union, sovereignty and independence. Morocco prepares to celebrate tomorrow, with high-splendor, Party MtiHid, commemorating the birth of Muhammad. The Throne Council sent a message to the people to celebrate, dignified and jubilantly, el Mulud, which will coincide, with the arrival in France of Ben Yussci. The Council express the wish that this meeting is a prelude to a new era of realization of hopes and aspirations, within a “entente cordiale” Moroccan-France.
As seen, Franco's allies celebrated the birth of Muhammad as vindictive date of colonial liberation of France (religion and politics again hand). But, such celebrations were older and also took place in the Spanish Protectorate. The same newspaper ABC, in 1940 collecting this news: The celebrations of birth of Mohammed Tetouan 16. It is completed the program of the festivities be celebrated by Muslims, on the occasion of the festivities of the birth of Muhammad, whose acts will be delivering cheap houses to Muslims mutilated, offering to the fallen, Muslims during the war of liberation (Spanish Civil War); distribution of food to the poor; offering to the Patron of the city, Sidi Manídri; Muslim guilds parade, Arabic literary contest; music concerts; boxing; cycling races, Y, by last, racing gunpowder and great cavalcade. The festivities will last from 21 al 25. As seen, the Franco regime knew the high significance of the figure of Muhammad among his African troops and, thus, He turned his birth in claim date of Arab culture in the Spanish Protectorate.
Apart from the above considerations, Interestingly, some analogies of this celebration with our Moors and Christians, such as the celebration of the patron of the city, Gunpowder racing and the Grand Parade.
Photo / Fig. 11.- Racing powder in Tetouan, on the occasion of the feast of Muhammad, years 1950. Source: http://antoniomarincara.blogspot.com
As seen, You can infer a clear relationship between the figure of Muhammad and the Francoist policy toward the Arab world, and the specific interests of Spain in Morocco. Another thing is to infer a causal relationship between these strategies directly and loss of official significance of Muhammad in our celebrations, but it coupled with the possible causes already mentioned, This approach helps to recreate the socio-political scenario in which local authorities Local -Head Movement- as linked to the stewardship of San Blas -President of the same-, They ceased to govern the figure of Muhammad and it ceased to embody the epitome of all sins.
Photo / Fig. 12.- Sax, 1954. The headless Muhammad Castle embassies. Source: Moros Sax
7.3.- Symbol Moros
A) Yes, orphan parents, the Muhammad would gradually falling into the hands of the organizers of their peculiar parade and, as relates Joaquin Barcelo (1954), It was becoming a mere popular divertimento. The real architects of that every year the figurón ascended the castle embassy refused to give up efforts, rather than less formally. In fact almost furtively and with no protocol (whereas before it was worn on parade in decorated cart, scenic part of the parade boato). After the first embassy and win the Moorish Castle, once cleared the square and exit the last comparsa, precisely the Moors, some members of the troupe's hoisted to the battlements, where it remained 24 hours until the "Christian reconquista" Castle embassies.
gradually, while he losing its role as a victim in the local social catharsis, festeras authorities and unconcerned of Muhammad, He was gaining status as an icon and emblem of the Moros. In the years 1970 He is stopped so celada and began to become display thereof: He went from being carried on wings side streets to perch on a modest carriage and, then, subdues a modern hearse to party, atrezo again as the parade at the end of this comparsa, but another very lessened social role and no religious symbolism.
Photo / Fig. 13.- Sax. The Muhammad 1993, dressed in costume Moros. Source: San Blas stewardship
The appropriation process would culminate at the end of the next decade: in 1988 the troupe managed the old and deteriorated stooge and 1989 I wore the full dress of the Moors (Moors, 2015). In a further step, in 2007 Muhammad moved in the specially designed andas, in a solemn act of respect, accompanied by authorities and charges that comparsa, Banded own music for Act. Today it has become highly prized emblem of the comparsa and as such appears in his gallery emblems, along with banners and lamppost (http://www.comparsamorosdesax.es). If monigote I cast aside in old industrial warehouses, It has become a figure of respect in a cabinet installed among the most beloved belongings from the comparsa.
The gradual loss of charisma stooge, and reported the events of the years 1960 (Vatican II, independence of the colonies in Africa, international strategies) Y, perhaps especially, the emerging regulatory process and modernization of our parties, especially in the spirit of stewardship more and better structured, It is subject to the origin of the downfall of an act that was very popular, and marrying wrong with the new more formal and martial air that drove the holidays in those years, suddenly they began to have even "interest".
The parties Sax, organized since at least the s. XIX by customary law, in 1965 They created the Association of Comparsas (by Associations Law 1964), which it was included in 1970 Generosity in San Blas. He started the organization and modernization of the old parties, pins were changed by lances, They appeared layers and chilabas and Moors and Christians began to pautarse under more serious charges, schedules and regulations. In this cultural context, such a banal act had little room.
Photo / Fig. 14.- Sax. Solemn transfer in litters of Muhammad by the Moros in 2007. Source: Photography J.M.. Espí
8.- AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
In this short story it has been seen as everything flows. Heraclitus (530-480 a.C.) He stated that the foundation of everything is in constant change. But the Greek philosopher has few followers in the party sajeñas. Because, something so interesting and novel as an attempt to adapt the "management" of Muhammad to new and changing times has not been entirely well appreciated. In many pubelos she has ceased to be removed. In Villena there has been a claim by the Islamic community and has asked the giant rename, not to stop removed. A scissor, the Moors have not yet renamed, but if its appearance, increasingly Western and Caucasian, to zoom out voluntarily both grotesque forms of s. XIX, as the arabizantes the s. XX.
In my opinion, as a leading figure of our party requires a little more attention among partygoers in general, care to shoot her reflection and new proposals. Necessarily be innovative, since it seems that the path taken greater respect for that figure no turning back.
a new era opens for both Muhammad (and their custodians). Figure follows Reified, but the atmosphere felt in the growing respect with which he is treated. Respect is giving way to the ceremony (understood as a solemn treatment during a celebration), and from the ceremony he has begun to break through an even babbling ritual, with the firm purpose (I think) perpetuated in time. When societies repeated rituals start pautarlos, establishing some rules. As well, these ceremonial celebrations, patterned and religious background are known as liturgies: just opposite to the prevailing slapstick pole until the middle of last century.
Sax Moros in the desire to establish a proper liturgy for treatment is observed to Muhammad, as he deserves such an outstanding emblem and timbre of pride comparsa. Perhaps there this the solution to the current "issue" of our times. Heraclitus said that the only constant is the reason, the force that makes everything change to fit the times and joints, to always prevail the principle of harmony: that it is.
FOOTNOTES PAGE:
1 Law 44/1967, of 28 of June, regulating the exercise of civil rights to freedom in religious matters. BOE. 156, of 1 July 1967, pp. 9191 a 9194
2 The Socialist exile, 17/04/1952, s/p.
3 The Socialist exile, 8/05/1952, s/p: "... no longer seems strange that who made his military career Moors killing best friend they pretend.
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