Crypto-Jewish Practices
Converso families, forced to convert from Judaism, may have lived as hidden Jews. They maintained certain religious and cultural practices of Judaism. Over hundreds of years, these changed, but some practices may still be recognizable. Perhaps these remind you of customs in your family, which might have seemed out of the ordinary.
Lighting candles on Friday night
Sweeping floors to the center of the room
Cleaning the house near Easter
Limiting work or cooking on Saturdays
Tend to marry within the group
Covering mirrors in a house of mourning
Avoiding (or a family allergy to) pork products
Burning candles in a house of mourning
Sitting on low seats while mourning
Cryptic Jewish symbols on tombstones or jewelry
Adoring certain saints (Esther, Teresa)
Focus on Five Books, Psalms, and Prophets
Cherishing certain psalms