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From: Su Jacobsen <>
Subject: [CASANFRA-L] Santa Clara's Day - Hutchings Magazine
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 12:21:12 -0800

>The following is extracted from Hutchings' California Magazine of November,
>1860:
>
>A feeling of sadness unconsciously steals over one, as he looks upon the
>changes that American civilization has brought to the native Californian and
>Mexican resident in California, since the conquest in 1846, and the discover
>of gold in 1848. Politically and socially, they had experienced many
>changes, anterior to the advent of so numerous a band of enterprising men as
>the conquerors proved. But, when they came, the world seemed to be in
>danger of bring turned upside down to the native residents; and to the
>prejudices, employments, social habits, and amusements of the former, they
>evidently became so. The half-dreamy and semi-religious teachings
>introduced and practiced bring more like a compromise between the barbarian
>on the one hand, and ethical ferinement on the other, than any particular
>system of theology taught elsewhere.
>
>In other coutries, where the Spanish language is indifferently spoken, and
>the Roman Catholic religion in its most depraved aspect, is a branch of hte
>national belief, both men and women attend mass on Sunday morning, and in
>the afternoon, a bull fight, at which the priests themselves are often
>present. Yet this differs only a in a degree with the more refined
>amusements of the present age, with all its pretentious religious
>progression; having this distinction, however, that it is not only not
>customary, but it is unmistakably unpopular for a religious teacher to be
>found in the theatre, or ball-room, or engaged at a game of ball or
>billiards on the Sabbath Day.
>
>Now, although by act of the State Legislature, all barbous amusements are
>suppressed, and all cruel sports very justly interdicted, both on weekdays
>and Sundays, many others of a highly exhillerating and amusing character are
>still permitted, and enthusiastically practiced by the Spanish-Catholic
>population around the old Missions, especially on feast days in honor of
>their saints. Of these, Santa Clara seems to be by far the most popular of
>all saints in the calendar, and consequently receives a proportionate amount
>of attention.
>
>Mission Santa Clara, some 48 miles south of San Francisco, was dedicated to
>Saint Clara, and, although nearly all of its lands have been claimed by
>settlers, who have divided it, fenced and planted it, there the old Mission
>Church still stands on the plaza, with which is connected the most
>flourishing educational Catholic College in the State.
>
>At sunrise on Santa Clara's Day, the matin-bell calls the dusky sons of the
>soil to prayers. The women come out of their humble dwellings, dressed in
>the brightest of all primary colors, with their men sauntering near them, on
>their way to the house of prayer. Inside, they hear matins chanted, and
>watch the solemn ceremonials at the alter and the equally solemn contenances
>of the worshippers. It will carry you back,far back, into that shadowy part
>of their history, that you cannot but remember with pity, that they have
>been so far distanced in the race of life by a higher civilization, with
>which they have had no sympathy, and are consequently left behind.
>
>But, the moment the threshold is recrossed and their feet tread the dusty
>road or green sward in front of the church, a change, apparently from entire
>transformation, is everywhere visible. The mutter response is exchanged for
>merry musical laugh, and the bent posture for a lifely lightfooted skip.
>All plans for the day of thoughough enjoyment are eagerly discussed; and all
>preparations in progress for a general holiday recounted.
>
>Wayside stalls laden with fruits, cakes, sweetmeats, toys and refreshments
>of various kinds stand here and there - all well patronized by the juvenile
>branches of the family, and their visitors, who come in from all the
>surrounding ranches.
>
>As soon as their early midday meal, such as we call breakfast, is over,
>generally around 11:00, some introductory pastimes are indulged in by the
>younger pleasure seekers, which about 1:00pm give way to such as popular
>among the adults. They are numerous, and if fully described, would exceed
>the limits of a magazine article. We will therefore content ourselves ba
>noticing only a few principal ones.
>
>As every native California is as much at home on a horse as a Sandwich
>Islander is in the sea, and as horses are their particular pride, even while
>they excessively abuse them, and skill in riding is esteemed as among the
>first of accomplishments, these sports which afford the most favorable
>opportunities for their display, and the costly comparisons of the animals
>they ride, are the most popular. Next to horse racings, one of the most
>popular is the following:
>
>The body of a live rooster is buried in the earth with nothing but the head
>visible. A signal is given to the horseman, about 60 yards distant, when a
>plunge of the spur sends the horse and rider rapidly forward. A sudden
>swoop, the the rider grasps the rooster at full speed and bears off the
>trophy with triumph amids applause of the councourse assembled. If he
>should fail, he not only loses the favors he expected, but is sometimes
>unhorsed and dragged in the dust at risk of breaking limbs or neck and
>greeted with derisive laughter from the spectators. Horses and their
>trappings and oftentimes sums of money are staked upon the success of such
>an attempt.
>
>Another source of amusement is to place a rawhide flat on the ground, then,
>after riding full speed for some distance, to rein the horse suddently in
>the moment his forefeet strikes the hide, if by any possiblility this is not
>accomplished, the rider is berated for is unskillfullness.
>
>Cock fighting is by no meahs the least attractive divertisement among the
>men, but as this is ought to be classed among their everyday pastimes, it is
>generally reserved for small occasions.
>
>But the greatest source of gratification to all classes and sexes, were the
>bull fights, and bull and bear fights. As San Jose and her sister Mission
>of Santa Clara were the most flourishing of all the Missions, and as the
>latter was the especial favorite of all the Patron Staints, her bull fights
>were the best in the country. After the discovery of gold and before the
>grounds were much settled by the Americans, they continued with them with
>more zeal and magniture than ever, until prevented by the town authorities
>in 1851, which was the last time they were permitted in town limits.
>
>On this occasion it was acknowledged to be the most extensive they had ever
>had; and it was continued for nearly a week. 12 Bulls, 2 large grizzly
>bears, and a considerable number of Indians were engaged, at different
>times, for the amusement of the multitude. In the second day's enounter, 4
>Indians and 1 horse were killed, and several wounded by the bulls. The loss
>of the horse seemed to cause more regret than the loss of the Indians. When
>the latter were gored by the horns of the bull, the band would strike up a
>lively tune to smother his cries or moans, and the people appeared to be
>immensely pleased at the performance.
>
>The Padre in charge at the time was a Franciscan, and evidently enjoyed the
>sport, but, as he was removed the following year, and a Jesuit appointed in
>his place, who denounced all such cruel sports from the alter, to the great
>displeasure of the Californians generally.
>
>Although this day is still the greatest holiday time at these two missions,
>horse-racing in all its diverse maneuverings, with dancing and other
>harmless pastimes, are the principal methods now engaged in to spend the day
>pleasantly.
>
>Santa Clara's Day of the Franciscan Order, recurs on the 12th of August, and
>this is the day observed at the Mission of Santa Clara. There is another
>Santa Clara's Day on the 18th of August, organized by a different order.
>
>Extracted by Su Jacobsen
>
>
>

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