QUEER CUSTOMS OF THE SPANISH COURT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8362, 24 February 1913, Page 5

QUEER CUSTOMS OF THE SPANISH COURT

Life at the Spanish Court is one elaborate ritual, and many are the strange customs, some of them dating from the mists of antiquity, that are religiously observed by the Spanish Royalty and nobility. One of the most curious > ■ that by virtu© of which the Duke Hijar dons, every Epiphany Sunday, the King’s clothes. In the evening, standing alone in the largest reception room of his palace, the Duke awaits the King's servant. The latter brings him, from the King's palace, the entire suit of clothes that his Alajesty has worn during the day, and drosses him in them. This custom dates from the time of a war in tbo Middle Ages—probably against tho Moors. The King’s life was in danger, and, to save him, the ancestor of the Duke Hijar changed clothes with his Boyal master. Thanks to the disguise, the King escaped, but the Duke, being mistaken for the King, was killed. To commemorate this act of devotion, every Epiphany Sunday for centuries, past a Duke Hijar has worn the King's clothes. The Duke of Alba also has an extra ordinary and unique privilege. On account of services rendered by one of his ancestors to Saint Theresa, the Duke has the right to enter the cloisters of the Carmelite nuns—to which no other man has access. He may talk with the nuns as much as he pleases—on condition that he does not touch them! Another of the Spanish Dukes, who is Grand Master of the Order of St. James, to this day arms the members of his household in the style of armour that was the fashion for knights of the days of Charles V.