Modern Times in Genealogy

A rewiev on the IX. International Colloquium of Genealogy and the I. International Colloquium of Nobility

Since weeks I´m trying to write this review. But every time I try I´m tempered by reality. Given the recent events , now it is really time to finally write the review.

„Genealogy in small and large history“ was the topic of the geneologists. Intensive as never before they dealed with the political and social consequences of genealogically relevant facts .

Analyzing history in order to learn from it.

Of course, such stories affect noble families. Firstly, the sources are generally accessible; secondly, only here the appropriate relevance is given .

A marriage in an artisan family did not have this relevance.

But: That was the common feature with the second event. A Colloquium of Nobility. On first glance, that might sound a little antiquated. But on second glance, it starts to make sense. The Nobility was the historical elite of Europe. This is unquestioned. In parts some of the continent, this concept is still very alive. That´s why Spain was the perfect location for the event. Especially because the “royal society of Spanish noblemen” (www.hidalgosdeespana.com) is very active in the conservation of aristocracy.

Josef Karl of Habsburg Lothringen summarized the ideas around the subject in his closing lecture.
The title of the lecture: „Las familias históricas en el contexto de sus respectivos países, independientemente de si se trata de repúblicas o monarquías, en una situación muy similar, ya que mientras las repúblicas se monarquizan, las monarquías se republicanizan“ ( The historical families in the context of their countries of origin, irrespective of the fact, if it is a republic or a monarchy, in a comparable situation, cause the republics monarchize and the monarchies republicize. )

Oops! Is this a new : hm. A new social concept? We´ll see.
In his lecture, Habsburg Lothringen explained the current situation of the “great” families. He called, to live and perceive traditional values and functions. Additionally, he talked of the relevance those families still have in these days.

And again: On looking closely we find out that we already know a lot about them. Cause we all visit the hairdresser from time to time and read the yellow press there.

For me, the Event in Madrid was very interesting. I met people, who were able to trace their family history back to the year 700. Their titles were three lines long to write. I met noble people, who were just humans. Mein Erlebnis Madrid war hoch interessant. Ich lernte Menschen kennen, die ihre Familiengeschichte bis ins Jahr 700 zurückverfolgen können und deren Titel 3 Zeilen Liste betragen. Ich lernte Hoheiten kennen, die einfach Mensch sind. And I saw real pride of place.

The colourful life, as you can read it in the yellow press! Any time again with pleasure!