Jewish “conversos” in the city of Xàtiva: religious beliefs and practices (1439-1490) seen through the eyes of ‘the other’

Abstract

This study undertakes a reconstruction of the religious beliefs and practices of Jewish conversos in the city of Xàtiva during the 15th century, based on evidence from the formal reports filed with the officers of the Royal Inquisition Court of Valencia. The analysis of the depositions given by a group of Old Christians who reported various Jewish conversos in Xàtiva has allowed us to examine a wide range of religious beliefs, festive traditions, customs, gestures, rituals and superstitions practiced by the Jewish conversos. Our study has also highlighted the inquisitorial zeal and horizontal social control carried out by some individuals –Old Christians– against other people –Jewish conversos– under the protection of the Inquisition officers.