Conversos had three methods of seeking security:
-
Conversos sought exile in the lands of neighboring aristocrats (nobelmen) where
feudal jurisdiction might protect them from the Office of the Holy Office of the
inquisition. After the passage of time, they might be forgotten.
-
Conversos could claim to be of foreign origin, such as from France, Portugal, or
Flanders. Thus investigations of Limpieza de Sangre origins (geneology) might be
avoided.
-
Conversos with names that might be recognized as not being Christian (or which
were indicated humble trader origins) often changed their names. Names were often
chosen with a zoomorphic base. Examples:
Spanish |
English |
Bicha |
Snake |
Caballo or Caballero |
horse or knight (horseman) |
Gato |
cat |
Gavilán |
sparrow hawk |
Pichón |
young pigeon |
Garibito |
market stall |
Garivito |
fruit and vegetable market stall |
See Ruth Pike, "Aristocrats and Traders: Sevillian
Society in the Sixteenth Century", Cornell University Press, 1972
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