A new translation from Latin, of one of Friar Felix Fabri famous 15th century pilgrimages to the Holy Land, includes humorous descriptions of the Tomb of the Patriarchs, Solomon’s Stables, and the Tomb of Absalom.
“The pilgrims should avoid wrapping white tarbushes, cloths or turbans, about their heads, since only the Muslims have the right to do so,” the Dominican theologian and medieval traveler Friar Felix Fabri (c. 1441-1502) recommended to his fellow pilgrims, either sincerely or ironically; it is not certain which.
In a sheet that he wrote as a guide for pilgrims to the Holy Land, which he appended to his account of his travels, Fabri also warned visitors “to be sure not to laugh as they walk together to visit the holy places.” Continue Reading »