Whether or not you approve of the sport of bullfighting, you will no doubt agree that they are an amazing sight to see.
The matadors purposely dress in the most stunning regalia and are sure to make the audience gasp with their skills.
But when it comes to bullfighting swords, is there anything special about them? Are they just regular fencing swords? What must a matador learn in order to master the use of bullfighting swords? History of Bullfighting It's interesting to note that bullfighting is a sport that is practiced mostly in Latin American countries, along with Spain, France, and Portugal.
In most of these areas, bullfighting began with both the worship of the animal and with its sacrifice as well.
Many writings and reliefs can be found dating back to the 11th century depicting those slaughtering bulls with special bullfighting swords.
Before this time, it may have actually originated in Rome, where there were many games and spectacles in the arena that pitted men against animals.
It may seem ironic that a bull that was considered to be holy was sacrificed, but killing the animal that was so revered was part of religious sacrifices.
The use of bullfighting swords during games or competitions may have also been done to prepare for war or hunting expeditions.
This was also a way of celebrating special religious holidays or the marriage feasts of the wealthy, as games and other spectacles were planned for the entertainment of those there.
Oftentimes the public was invited to watch as well.
The use of the cape along with bullfighting swords developed when those in the arena would use them to corral and control the bulls, and this generated a strong reaction from the crowds, who appreciated the spectacle of it.
The style that many matadors have of staying so close to the bull was also slowly developed, as the crowds would continue to cheer for those matadors who were brave enough to stay that close to the bull.
Bullfighting Today Many animal rights groups have staged protests against bullfighting because of the suffering endured by the bull and by the horses used by the matadors during a fight.
The posters of animals speared through with many bullfighting swords until it finally expires is a favorite one of these groups, as they want to show people the agony an animal must endure when being speared by so many blades.
However, these groups have had little success in getting bullfighting outlawed or even restricted.
The history of the sport is so deeply ingrained in so many areas, and so many members of the public love to watch the spectacle that it seems as if they will continue to have an uphill battle.
The Bullfighting Swords But what about the bullfighting swords? Are they any different from any other sword you might see elsewhere? The truth is that there of course is some difference between bullfighting swords and any other blade you might use for fencing or ones that were used throughout history.
In the past of course men trained in bullfighting to prepare themselves for hunting or for combat, so they often would use the same sword in bullfighting as they would use on the battlefield.
But today, bullfighting swords need to be stronger and sharper than some of the thinner blades you might see at fencing competitions.
These need to be thrust-style blades, shorter and thicker than normal blades.
Many bullfighting swords have tassels or colored leather at the hilt; this is no doubt for the spectacle of the sport, in order for the movement of the sword to be more visible to the audience in the arena.
It may also serve to distract or confuse the bull during competition.
Matadors train in all aspects of the sport, including the use of bullfighting swords.
They work very hard at learning how to thrust in the area of the bull that will kill it; because bulls are such large and strong animals, a matador needs to make every thrust of the blade count.
And of course many bullfighting swords are designed to be beautiful to look at as well.
While bullfighting may be a bloody and gruesome sport, those who participate always want to put on a good show for their audience.