At one point it was meant as a form of protection. Another was a representaion of a bull-fighter's rejón de castigo. Some interpreted it as a reason to give, others saw it as an opportunity to charge. What is it, how did it protect, and what was the item usually 'given' and why?

wendypj

I am probably way off mark but I am determined to get the answer to one of your cryptic questions!! Is the item a lance, as used in medieval times? The rejon de castigo are the lances of punishment in bullfighting and the medieval knights would 'charge' at each other on horseback. As for the reason to give, all I can think is that opposing fighters would surrender. Does that count as 'giving'?? Aug 29 06, 9:44 PM

peasypod

No wendy, dear, the item is not a lance, just a representaion of one with all its pretty flags... Aug 29 06, 9:47 PM

lanfranco

I think we might be talking about tapas, the small quantities of food now so popular in certain restaurants. The name may derive from a paper cover over drinks used to protect them from flies. Such a cover was regarded as an invitation to add a little food -- free in some places but requiring payment elsewhere. Some tapas are speared with toothpicks and may be called "bandilleras", since they resemble the flagged skeweres used in bullfighting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapas Aug 30 06, 8:55 AM

peasypod

Well done Frankie, and the item usually given was strong smelling cheese to compliment the cheap plonk. Some puntillitas for you? Aug 30 06, 6:09 PM

lanfranco

Why not? The Maven is especially fond of squid, in all its forms. Aug 30 06, 6:12 PM