The etymological origin of the term madeja that we are dealing with here can be found in Latin. It comes from “mataxa”, which can be translated as “string” and even as “thread”. This word was already in use in the 2nd century BC and is considered to derive from the Greek “metaxa”, which was the name given to “raw silk”.
The term refers to the thread gathered around a cross .
Among the words that can function as synonyms for skein we find some such as bobbin, reel, ball and even roll.
By arranging a yarn in a skein, it is easy to wind it. This makes storage, marketing and transport of textile fibres easier.
Wool , for example, is usually sold in skeins. The person who buys the skein of wool usually turns it into a ball when it is time to use it for knitting.
At this point it is important to point out the differences between skeins and balls. In skeins, the threads are wound in turns of the same length. This presentation ensures that the original fibre retains its elasticity and does not become deformed. Balls, on the other hand, are balls that are formed by winding the threads around themselves. To unwind the ball, it is enough to pull on its end. That is why, to start knitting, we tend to transform the skein into a ball.
Madeja, on the other hand, is a typical dish from the Spanish region of Aragon that is made from the intestines and tripe of lamb . It is usually consumed as an appetizer or starter.
To prepare skeins, the first step is to clean the animal's stomach thoroughly, roll it up and boil it in salted water, which can be seasoned with garlic, onion, pepper, bay leaves and some alcoholic beverage (such as white wine or cognac). Once it is tender, it is removed from the water and left to rest for about an hour. Once cold and dry, it is cut into pieces and fried in a pan with oil. The skeins are served when they are golden brown, sprinkling a little chopped parsley on top.
This dish is also very common in La Rioja. It is prepared in a simple way in about an hour and is very cheap to make. Those who like it usually accompany it with a good glass of an exquisite red wine.
We must also highlight the existence of a popular expression that uses the term we are now dealing with. We are referring to “entangling the skein.” This is used as a synonym for obstructing, muddling, entangling and even tangling. An example could be: “In the case of the murder of the politician, the skein is getting tangled when several dangerous secrets that he was keeping were discovered.”
Likewise, we cannot overlook the fact that “La madeja” is the title of a song by the rock band La Vela Puerca. It is a group of Uruguayan origin that was formed in the mid-90s and is led by Sebastián Teysera and Sebastián Cebreiro.