Padrinazgos Presidenciales [1920s-1960s]

Description: During the short government of Juan Domingo Perón’s third wife, María Estela Martínez, (president from 1974 to 1976), the law number 20843 was passed in 1974. This law establishes that the national president will assume the role and responsibility of being godfather or godmother of the seventh male or female son or daughter when the rest of the children share the same sex. This was so because it was believed that the seventh son of six brothers could become a werewolf and the seventh female of six sisters could become a witch. The first president to assume this practice was José Figueroa Alcorta (president from 1904 to 1906) when Russian immigrantsasked for his protection. Since then, the presidents provide their godsons and goddaughters with educational fellowships among other kinds of help. This handmade envelope contains photos and newspapers’ and magazines’ articles and clippings including information on this widespread practice in different parts of the Argentine interior. Extent of original: Handmade envelope . Condition of original: Regular to bad condition.