Concept in Definition ABC

The word hidalgo comes from the old Castilian, specifically from the word fidalgo, which literally means the son of something. As for its meaning, it refers to the person who has a noble origin. In this sense, the figure of the hidalgo must be understood in its historical context. In the present a derived term is used, nobility, which refers to the person who has a noble spirit.

The historical context of this social class

When the Reconquest began in Spain to recover the conquered territories of the peninsula after During the Muslim invasion, the kings granted the title of hidalgo to those who had fought against the Muslims. In this way, whoever descended from a nobleman also inherited the title. The distinction of hidalgo provided an honorary recognition but was also accompanied by certain privileges, such as tax exemption or access to certain charges public.

Who had the category As a hidalgo he was considered socially as a dignified person and that he was part of a noble lineage (at that time they spoke of purity of blood). However, this circumstance did not necessarily imply a good financial position. In fact, there were hidalgos who lived in misery (the hidalgo should not work, since the activity

labor questioned his honor).

The status of hidalgo was only acquired by men, as they obtained it directly due to their military merits or it was inherited from their ancestors. A third way to become a hidalgo was by marrying and having legitimate children who formed a family numerous, which was sometimes done to avoid paying taxes. This practice received a popular denomination, "knighthood of zipper", from where curiously the expression "to give a fly" (the gentleman in the fly was considered inferior, since his condition did not come from his lineage).

The figure of the hidalgo gradually lost importance with the passage of time and in the 19th century they officially disappeared. Although nobility no longer exists as a social reality, we must not forget that it is part of the tradition Spanish literary.

The most famous gentleman in history

The true title of Don Quixote is "The ingenious hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha". This famous character from the literature Universal is an archetype of true noblemen. Don Quixote is a man who lives very humbly and who, influenced by the reading From the chivalric books he decides to flee from an ordinary life.

Although his name is Alonso Quijano, he calls himself Don Quixote de la Mancha, because a hidalgo could not be an ordinary person. The character's madness and his nobility are both factors that lead him to start a journey of adventure with his faithful squire Sancho Panza.

Photos: Fotolia - Andrey Kiselev / Anibal Trejo

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