Le saint sacrifice de la marche : pieds, charité et statut social dans les confréries portugaises à l’époque moderne

Abstract

In 16 th -century Portugal, owning a horse was still a crucial requirement to attain the status of noble. Throughout the Early Modern Period, to walk was a sign of social disqualification, except in certain rituals at court where participants were required to stand. Above all, confraternal rituals required nobles to be on foot as a symbol of charity; they had to walk or stand while visiting the deserving poor or taking part in processions, funeral cortèges, or the washing of feet on Maundy Thursday. However, nobles often sought to have others attend these events on their behalf. Over time, the medieval privileges that had placed such great importance on horse ownership transformed into prejudices that were difficult to eradicate, even in the performance of rites.