Caparisoning: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'caparison' comes from the Old French 'caparison', which referred to a horse's covering.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'cappa', meaning 'hood', indicating a type of covering.
• In medieval times, caparisoning was a way to show off a horse's importance and the wealth of its rider.

Historical Significance

• In the Middle Ages, knights would caparison their horses in splendid armor before battle to display honor and status.
• Royalty often used elaborately caparisoned horses in parades and ceremonies to show off their power and riches.
• During the Renaissance, artistic depictions of caparisoned horses were popular in paintings, symbolizing nobility.

Cultural Practices

• Caparisoning is still practiced in some cultures during festivals and celebrations, emphasizing tradition.
• In Spain, horses are often adorned with caparisons during traditional events like parades and fairs.
• Various equestrian events today may feature caparisoned horses, showcasing craftsmanship in horse gear.

Literature

• Caparisoned horses appear in works of literature to highlight themes of nobility or power.
• Classic poems often describe cheerful festivals featuring elaborately dressed horses.
• In 'Don Quixote', caparisoned steeds symbolize the ideals and fantasies of chivalry.

Comparative Use

• The act of caparisoning isn’t confined to horses; it can refer to dressing up any important animal or even symbolic representations in art.
• Similar to how we decorate for celebrations, caparisoning shows that humans have an instinct to beautify important figures.
• In modern metaphors, someone might say their car is 'caparisoned' with accessories, drawing a parallel to embellishing something of value.