How Do You Spell TARENTISM?

Pronunciation: [tˈaɹəntˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Tarentism is a term used to describe a dance mania that occurred in the 15th century in the Italian town of Taranto. The spelling of this word is based on its origin, Taranto, which is pronounced as "tah-RAHN-toh" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "t" in Tarentism is therefore pronounced as a hard "t" sound, followed by an "a" sound as in "cat" and an "r" sound as in "run". The second syllable is pronounced as "en" with a short "e" sound as in "man" and a soft "n" sound.

TARENTISM Meaning and Definition

1. Tarentism is a term that refers to a phenomenon involving an uncontrollable urge to dance or engage in frenetic movements. This condition is often associated with rituals or practices akin to demonic possession and was prevalent in southern Italy during the late Middle Ages. The term is derived from the city of Taranto, a region in Italy where these episodes were commonly reported.

   Historically, Tarentism was believed to be caused by a bite from a tarantula spider, hence the name. Victims of this bite were said to experience various symptoms, such as restlessness, sweating, elevated heart rate, and an overwhelming desire to dance. This compulsion would continue until the person collapsed from exhaustion or a specific type of music was played, believed to alleviate the symptoms.

   Due to its association with demonic possession and widespread beliefs about tarantula venom, Tarentism was frequently treated through musical performances or "tarantellas." These musical compositions were thought to provide a cure for those afflicted, as the rhythm and energy of the music were believed to expel the venom from the body and alleviate the uncontrollable movements.

   Although Tarentism is mainly a historical term, it remains a notable part of cultural discussions surrounding medieval beliefs and practices. Today, it is often referenced in literature, music, and art as an intriguing and mysterious phenomenon from the past.

2. Tarantism.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TARENTISM

• tarrantism
• tarantism
• rarentism
• farentism
• garentism
• yarentism
• 6arentism
• 5arentism
• tzrentism
• tsrentism
• twrentism
• tqrentism
• taeentism
• tadentism
• tafentism
• tatentism
• ta5entism
• ta4entism
• tardntism
• tarrntism

Etymology of TARENTISM

The word "Tarentism" is derived from the name of the city of Taranto, located in the southern region of Puglia, Italy. In the ancient world, Taranto was known as Taras or Tarentum. The term "Tarentism" specifically refers to a phenomenon known as Tarantism, which was a dancing mania or hysteria associated with the bite of a tarantula spider. This condition was believed to have originated and was prevalent in the Taranto region, thus leading to the naming of the phenomenon.