TARANTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Tarantism is a rare and archaic term used to define a condition or phenomenon characterized by an uncontrollable urge to perform frenzied and repetitive dancing. The term originated from the Italian town of Taranto, which was known for a real or perceived incidence of people being bitten by tarantulas. However, tarantism is not strictly limited to the fear or impact of tarantula bites.
Tarantism is often associated with a belief in the healing power of music and dance. According to historical accounts, individuals affected by tarantism were believed to be "possessed" by the venomous bite of a tarantula. They would then enter a state of frenzy, marked by symptoms such as restlessness, convulsions, and muscle spasms. The only perceived remedy was to engage in a frenzied dance known as the "tarantella." Participants would dance vigorously, often to the beat of specific rhythms, in an attempt to rid themselves of the perceived toxic influence.
In modern times, the term tarantism is predominantly used in a historical or cultural context. It has been largely replaced by medical and psychological explanations, which attribute similar symptoms to conditions such as hysteria, mass psychogenic illness, or certain movement disorders. Despite its historical roots, tarantism continues to capture the imagination and interest of scholars, musicologists, and anthropologists as a fascinating relic of cultural beliefs and practices.
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Dancing mania of Italy, popularly supposed to be caused by the bite of a tarantula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TARANTISM
- rarantism
- farantism
- garantism
- yarantism
- 6arantism
- 5arantism
- tzrantism
- tsrantism
- twrantism
- tqrantism
- taeantism
- tadantism
- tafantism
- tatantism
- ta5antism
- ta4antism
- tarzntism
- tarsntism
- tarwntism
Etymology of TARANTISM
The word "tarantism" has its roots in Taranto, a city in southern Italy. It is related to the phenomenon known as "Tarantella", a traditional Italian folk dance.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, it was believed that the bite of a specific spider called the "tarantula" (found in the Taranto region) could cause a condition called "tarantism" or "tarantismus". People believed that the venom from the tarantula bite induced uncontrollable and frenzied dancing.
The term "tarantism" originates from this belief and was used to describe the perceived involuntary dancing associated with the spider's bite. Over time, the term has evolved and expanded to encompass a broader range of symptoms and conditions associated with frenzied movements, such as convulsions, tremors, and restlessness.
Similar spelling words for TARANTISM
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