Monday, August 19, 2013

Learning A Bit About The History Of Bullfighting In Spain

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By Helga Stokes


There is nothing that Spain is known for more than the bullfighting shows it hosts. During an event, a bullfight will usually last about 20 minutes. Those who enjoy the sport get excited when the matador claims his victory over his opponent. Those who are interested in the history of bullfighting in Spain will find that the sport did not start as they may think.

Although most people think of Spain when they think of this sport, similar spectacles have existed in many civilizations before. Historians have discovered wall paintings that depict similar acts that date back to 2000 BC. The pictures have a bull with people grabbing its horns and doing leaps over it.

The bull has been a sacred animal in many religions. It was used as a sacrifice for many ancient religions to worship their gods. There were also religions that thought of the bull as a god and held worship ceremonies toward it. Even in the holy Bible, the bull is mentioned many times and is always refereed to as a powerful beast. The Bible will usually use analogies and idioms about a bull to show the power and strength of it.

Ancient Rome practiced bullfighting but it did not nearly gain the popularity that future civilizations would bring to the sport. Centuries later, when men started to use capework to maneuver the bull into the position they wanted them in, fans gained a huge interest as the sport seemed more entertaining. During the 1700s, Spain introduced the sword that the matador carried and it has been part of the act ever since.

Ancient Spain, like many other countries at the time, went through many wars. Most notably, the Spanish War of the Reconquesta between 711 and 1492. This war had many breaks, and during peace time many soldiers would look for something to pass time. They would hunt animals that were easy prey like a deer. Sometimes, they would feel that that was too easy so they would hunt animals like bears that wold make things a bit more challenging.

The most challenging that they found was the bull. This 1000 pound creature would not back down from anyone like other creatures of the wild. Those who battled the bull were seen as brave and courageous. When thy returned to their subjects with the head of a bull, they would earn honor. Even though they didn't know it, they began what we know as bullfighting.

Some would see battling a bull as not a very smart thing to do. In reality, it is not really a fight but more of a theatrics show. Fans always appreciate the matador's bravery and the moves he displays.

The history of bullfighting in Spain shows that the sport came to be sort of accidentally. Only in the 1700s did fans start appreciating the wit, grace and intelligence that a bullfighter must have. They know that if the bullfighter makes one wrong move he can get severely injured or possibly lose his life. Some people do not even consider bullfighting to be a sport since it is not really a competition that keeps score. Nevertheless, it is still a spectacle that they enjoy seeing time and time again.




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