Crypto Jews Vs. New Christians The two concepts - Crypto Jews and New Christians are often intertwined. Although there is some overlap, the terms are to some degree different: Crypto-Jews (Secret Jews) - Definition: Individuals of Jewish heritage who publicly identified as Christians while secretly upholding Jewish customs, beliefs, and practices (such as lighting Shabbat candles and refraining from eating pork). - Origin: This group arose from forced mass conversions that took place in Spain and Portugal during the late 14th and 15th centuries. - Identity: Characterized by their clandestine observance of Jewish traditions, they often lived under the persistent fear of the Inquisition. - Terms: They are also referred to as Marranos (a derogatory term) or Anusim (the Hebrew word for "forced ones"). New Christians (Conversos) - Definition: The formal designation for individuals who converted from Judaism to Catholicism, encompassing both recent converts and their baptized descendants, regardless of the authenticity of their faith. - Origin: Represents a broader demographic resulting from the mass conversions. - Identity: A socially distinct group frequently subjected to stigma, facing "purity of blood" laws, with many being suspected of practicing secret Judaism (Crypto-Judaism). - Terms: Known as Conversos or Christao Novos (Portuguese for New Christians). Key Distinction While all Crypto-Jews were technically classified as New Christians due to their conversion or descent from converts, not every New Christian was a Crypto-Jew; some were genuinely devout Christians. The label "New Christian" encompasses both sincere converts and those who practiced secretly, whereas "Crypto-Jew" specifically denotes those living a hidden Jewish existence.Picture: Belmonte, Portugal cemetery where Jews and Christians are buried together.