The image that you see is a historical document that comes from a school book text used in the Colegio de Santo Domingo in Orihuela (a town in the Province of Alicante) during the 1916-17 school year. The documents presents a set of "things to avoid " at the end of the summer for the school kids. Here are a few of the things that are said to be avoided:
-Bad or suspicious friends. Never be alone with them if forced to be with them at family gatherings.
-Read or Listen to someone read bad newspapers, magazines, or books.
-Going to dangerous plays, dances, or other forms of entertainment.
Three fatal abuses in rural life:
I. Very little modesty in dress or postures
II. Friendship with others of the opposite sex.
III. Certain jokes, that although not bad, could be considered by those with good manners offensive.
-Be a slave to human respectability! This should always be followed by some gesture related to religion.
- Excessive familiarity or despotism with house servants(In spanish "criados": those who are raised )
-Finally, avoid independence and distancing of oneself from your parents. Sacrifice your fun to keep them company.
As historians, what kind of new information does this shed to us about the education that students received during that period ? What we can learn from this historical document? I want to hear your opinions and interpretations.
