Hidalgo (nobility)

Hidalgo [ iðalɣo ] is called since the Middle Ages in Spain originating from ancient Christian families needle without special title. The word is a variation of hijo de algo, literally " son of [ a family of ] possession ." algo modified from latin aliquod "something". The corresponding counterpart in Portugal is the Fidalgo (from filho de algo ).

A distinction Hidalgo de sangre - born, and Hidalgo de privilegio - of which the needle has been graciously donated or bought. With regard to the state of Hidalgo rights were previously with the caballeros ( knights ) and Escudero ( plate carriers or nobleman in the service of Great) on a line.

The Hidalgo participated instrumental in the 8th to the 15th century of the Reconquista ( reconquest ) of the Iberian peninsula against the Muslim conquerors. After the discovery of America drove many later-born sons as conquistadors to the New World and increased during the 16th and 17th century part in the conquest and colonization of America.

A parody of the current towards the end of the 16th century as outdated chivalry of Hidalgo represents the Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.

In ordinary life the Hidalgo will be with the first name, the title of Don or Doña is set before mentioned. Although Spain is currently a monarchy, subject to the untitulierte nobility, so the Hidalgo, under direct government control. The descendants of Hidalgo are together but still in the Royal Spanish nobility corporation, the real Asociación de Hidalgo de España, which monitors compliance with the historical aristocracy law. Members are personally performed in a Adelsmatrikel. This noble association is a member of the umbrella organization of the European nobility associations ( CILANE ).