«Cancionero» Poetry As Religious Practice: The Valladolid Discalced Carmelite Convent’s «Libro de romances y coplas»

Abstract

The Libro de romances y coplas del Carmelo de Valladolid is the best-known of the early modern Spanish convent compilations of poetry. While its metrical forms and themes reflect similarities with those of other cancioneros of that period, they also remain deeply embedded in the beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and actions of cloistered women, living together in community and from a range of social classes. Despite social differences, however, the priorities and concerns of the Discalced Carmelite Order prevail; the collective product demonstrates a common goal, tied to specific religious practices. This essay explores in depth how, both thematically and technically, the verses in the volume take up three salient preoccupations manifested in the volume: the celebration of Christmas, the taking of the veil, and the practices of (inner) spirituality.