GOOD FRIDAY IN SPAIN

New Zealand Tablet, 24 March 1910, Page 473

GOOD FRIDAY IN SPAIN

Of all the ceremonies, that known as 'EI Indulto' (the pardon), which takes place on Good Friday, is the most grave in its ritual, the most important in its effect, because it serves to release from the gallows some eight or ten criminals condemned to death (says the Irish Catholic). Hence its name. On this ocasion everything is calculated to induce serious reflection. The tapestried walls of the palace are veiled, the altar in the Chapel Royal is hidden, the guards carry their arms reversed, the halberdiers no longer tap the floor with their halberds, the ladies of the court wear black mantillas. The offices of the day begin at 9 o'clock in the morning with a Capilla Publica. In the chapel, upon a cushion of red damask, dating from the sixteenth century, between the Royal pew and the pulpit, lies an historic crucifix. When the time for the ' adoration ' comes, the King advances, kneels twice, and at the third genuflection kisses the cross. In accordance with custom, he places an ' ouza' of gold in the plate beside the crucifix, the Queen does the same, while the Infantes put in half an-onza. Just as the King is about to kiss the cross the Bishop of Sion, in his capacity as King's Almoner, approaches his Majesty, carrying on a salver the death warrants, tied with black ribbons, of the criminals who are to be pardoned. Addressing the King, the prelate says ' Senor, these are warrants for the penalty of death. . Will your Majesty pardon all or some of these criminals whom human justice has condemned to the last penalty?' His Majesty replies: Yes, I pardon them, and as I pardon them may God also pardon me.' The Bishop then replaces the black bands by white ones, and a few minutes later the King signs the decrees of pardon. This remarkable ceremony dates back to the most ancient times, and it is really so pathetic that it draws tears from those who witness it for the first time. This function is concluded by a procession to the Royal Camara, whence the Court marches to the Salon Amarillo, where are venerated authentic relics of the Crucifixion. In the evening it is customary for the King to visit the churches on foot, followed by the members of the Court. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday neither tramcars nor carriages are seen in the streets. On these occasions the King is surrounded by the citizens, who are his surest escort. On Easter Sunday, after the Capilla Publica, the Court goes in procession to the Red Banqueting Hall, upon the table of which is a lamb roasted whole, and decorated with ribbons and flowers. After it has been blessed by the Bishop of Sion their Majesties taste it, being served at the same time with Bordeaux and sherry from ancient silver jugs. The lamb is then served round to the Lilberdiers in the Salon de Guardias, the King *ind his guards thus eating the same paschal lamb, the same broad, and drinking the same wine. On the Thursday and Good Friday, when there are no carriages about, ladies are seen in the streets who only walk on those two days of the year. Without any exaggeration Madrid displays then more beauty than any other city in Europe, as all the ' Gran Mundo ' is then to be seen in the Calle de Alcala between four o'clock and seven. The bewitching spectacle must be seen before it can be realised. During the evening of Holy Thursday and Good Friday morning take place the solemn and traditional ' Chapters' of the military Orders of Santiago, Calatrava, Alcantara, and Montesa in the Church of Las Calatravas, the King and his Court being present. Of these Orders his Majesty is Grand Master, and he is accustomed to preside over the chapters. As already mentioned, his Majesty also visits the churches on foot, and gives alms to the ladies who stand at the doors, begging on behalf ot the hospitals and asylums. -'