The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RULES OF CONDUCT--SPAIN

THIS LIST OF RULES GOVERNING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR WAS
TACKED ON THE CHURCH DOOR IN A SPANISH COMMUNITY:
1. WOMEN SHALL NOT APPEAR ON THE STREETS OF THIS VILLAGE
WITH DRESSES THAT ARE TOO TIGHT IN THOSE PLACES WHICH
PROVOKE THE EVIL PASSIONS OF MEN.
2. THEY MUST NEVER WEAR DRESSES THAT ARE TOO SHORT.
3. THEY MUST BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL NOT TO WEAR
DRESSES THAT ARE LOW-CUT IN FRONT.
4. IT IS SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO WALK IN THE STREETS WITH
SHORT SLEEVES.
5. EVERY WOMAN WHO APPEARS ON THE STREETS MUST WEAR
STOCKINGS.
6. WOMEN MUST NOT WEAR TRANSPARENT OR NETWORK CLOTH
OVER THOSE PARTS WHICH DECENCY REQUIRES TO BE COVERED.
7. AT THE AGE OF TWELVE, GIRLS MUST BEGIN TO WEAR
DRESSES THAT REACH TO THE KNEE AND STOCKINGS AT ALL
TIMES.
8. LITTLE BOYS MUST NOT APPEAR IN THE STREETS WITH
THEIR UPPER LEGS BARE.
9. GIRLS MUST NEVER WALK IN OUT-OF-THE-WAY PLACES
BECAUSE TO DO SO IS BOTH IMMORAL AND DANGEROUS.
10. NO DECENT WOMAN OR GIRL IS EVER SEEN ON A
BICYCLE.
11. NO DECENT WOMAN IS EVER SEEN WEARING TROUSERS.
12. WHAT THEY CALL IN THE CITIES "MODERN DANCING"
IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
(DATED) JULY 11, 1943.

Where learned: "IBERIA" SATURDAY EVENING POST CCXLI

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