The significance of palm trees in Spanish culture.

Did you know that a palm tree in the middle of nowhere signifies the presence of water, or that palm trees at the entrance of a house show that the inhabiting family are of Moorish descent?

We are so fortunate to have Antonio as a member of our group.

He brings local knowledge and a personal blend of history, folklore, custom and tradition to our midst, as well as a lifetime of knowledge and love of plants and agriculture.

He explained that the trees planted near to a house are the symbol of the origins of the family within.

This region of Spain is irrevocably linked with Africa, successive invasions and population movements defining the culture and crops of the inhabitants. We owe the terracing of  hillsides, irrigation sytems, palm trees, pomegranates and figs to the Moorish inhabitants, yet once Spain became a Christian country, they were banned from practicing their religion, forced to change their names, and forbidden to produce the valuable crop of  palm oil, as this was considered unchristian.

This area fell into disuse, lying between Andalucia and Almeria, anyone living here being forced to pay taxes to both areas, and it wasn't until 300 years ago that an amnesty was declared and Fuente Alamo was created, land being given away free to anyone prepared to move here and farm in the region.

Families took up residence in the area and declared their ancestry by the trees they planted by their homes, palms for Moorish descent,( but practicing Christians now,) olives for Jewish descent,( but practicing  Christians now,)  and pines or cypress for the new Christian faith.

Palms are irrevocably linked to the Moorish religion, and this explains why there are never palms in cemetries or by religious centres.

Antonio runs wonderful courses to help English integrate into the Spanish community, as well as teaching local history, customs and Spanish. If anyone would like to know more about his courses, he can be contacted on 680 753 819

Information can also be found about Antonios courses on the Canadas del Romero programme, which is in the Weekly Diary of events, in the left hand side information tabs.

 

 

 

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