- For other uses: see New Christian (Swedenborgian).
The term New Christian (cristianos nuevos in Spanish, cristãos novos in Portuguese) was used to refer to the Jews and Moors who were converted to Christianity during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. The term was introduced in order for "Old Christians" (cristianos viejos) to distinguish themselves from the converts (conversos), who were also insulted as marranos, "pigs", in a derogatory manner.
It was believed that many New Christians were practicing their original religions in secret and, in fact, large numbers were Crypto-Jews. Many New Christians were tortured until they confessed their "apostasy" and then were executed.
New Christians distinguished themselves from the Christians by adopting names referring to nature, such as trees, rivers and animals.
The system of limpieza de sangre ("cleanliness of blood") ostracized New Christians out of society, regardless of their sincerity.
A large number of New Christians moved to the New World. However, even there, the Catholic Church kept a close eye on them. For instance, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while new immigrants registered, a note was added informing that the new registry was a New Christian. A much lighter persecution existed in the New World. And eventually most New Christians assimilated the new religion, and lost contact with their roots back in Europe.
