Added: 10/12/2005 |
Tracing Back Bullfighting Origins.Bullfighting origins' countdown point can be marked from the beginning of the new era, to the Iberian tribes, living on the territory of Spain in prehistoric times. In their religious ceremonies bulls played an important part. It is supposed that bulls were sacrificed to the Gods and only priests had the right to kill them. Before the Arabian invasion in the VIII century bullfighting had already become a popular national spectacle.
As it's already been mentioned, Corrida is closely connected with Spain. Bullfighting origins date back to 711 A.D., the year when the first bullfight took place to honor the newly crowned King Alfonso VIII.
In the XVI century Corrida was an important part of most country's festivals. The bullfighting show origins are interlinked with Madrid's central square Plaza Major, where the most important events took place. This is a period when Corrida reached far beyond the scopes of sport or entertainment and became the element of national culture.
King Felipe V banned the aristocracy from taking part in bullfighting as he believed it could have negative impact on the public. The tradition revived with his death in the XVIII century.
Originally bullfighting was only for aristocracy; bullfighters went on horseback. After the common people accepted the sport, they abandoned the tradition as it was too expensive to use horses. They dodged bulls on foot.
So bullfighting underwent great changes from a sport for the aristocracy to an entertainment for the commoners.
Speaking about the bullfighting origins we shouldn't underestimate the role of the church, which banned the Corrida on penalty of excommunication.
Corrida is impossible without Toro Bravo - a bull, which is conserved in Spain only.
Corrida is an art. Its elements were used in different times by various writers, poets and artists. It should be mentioned though, that most of them were against such shows. But the XX century, marked by destruction and devastation left no place to optimism. Many artists observed in Corrida the model of tragic existence of a man. Corrida holds an important part in literature, theatre and cinematograph of the XX century.
Corrida is one of the greatest shows, since the Matador has to demonstrate all his skills and capacity to the audience. If he's really good he may be presented with the bull's ear or tail. He can also be carried round the arena, if he proved his artistry and courage. The Matador's job is to make a dramatic show, to impress the audience. If he achieves the goal he can be considered the Master of the Show. The danger of participating in such a show is obvious - one wrong movement and the Matador can become impaled on the bull's horns.
Corrida is a significant part not only of Spanish culture. Bullfighting origins can be observed in ancient Rome, when people and animals took part in gladiatorial sports. There are also records of bull killing for entertainment in England in the ancient times.
Whatever diverse opinions on Corrida may be, the Show is by all means worth seeing.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
