subject: Popular Beliefs Associated With The Condition Of Tarantism [print this page] Tarantism generally refers to a venomous condition caused due to the bite of the wolf spider called tarantula. In fact, with the bite, the victim showed symptoms of restlessness and heightened levels of excitement. Though it resulted in death, yet it was largely believed that in order to prevent the death from such a condition, the victim should be engaged in frenzied dancing. Following this therapy, a particular dance form also emerged from it later, and this dancing was practiced right under the Saint Paul sign, and the chapel served to be the theater for the performance. However, this practice has undergone lots of criticism and controversies.
Many people were of the belief that the emergence of this dance form from Tarantism was basically a deceit by means of which proscriptions can be evaded against dancing. Irrespective of that, it is also largely interpreted that this particular phenomena is quite consistent with that of mass psychogenic illness. In addition to that, such a condition results from the bite of a spider is also not proved and it is largely expected that it is the result of a popular belief. In fact, this is also true that the primary cause of such a disease is also unknown.
Several books have been written by several renowned and influential authors in order to describe the condition. In fact, since this condition mainly originated in Italy, many authors also came here to find out the exact cause of the condition, and the other phenomena associated with it. Thus, if you are also interested to know more about it, you can have a look at these different books, which reveals many interesting facts and details about the condition. These books also describe in detail the existence of many other popular beliefs in relation to this condition.
The chapel, as mentioned earlier is also quite an interesting point associated with this condition. The authors tried to examine the chapel, the sign of Saint Paul and its relation to the existence of the condition. The chapel where the dance form is practiced generally dates back to the eighteenth century. However, now it remains closed except on the days of the feasts. Victims inflicted with the bite of the tarantula are made to exhibit a display of abandonment within the confines of the chapel. Currently, this has indeed become a spectacle for the public on the road.
There is however no evidence to the fact why and when the chapel became the center focus of such an activity, but Tarantism in this region of Galatina in Italy can be traced to a long time back. There are many other regions in Italy that treats the condition in such a similar fashion. It has been often noticed that many historical and cultural references are largely associated with this disease, and the dancing form that ensures cure to such a condition. There are many people who come here to dance, but these are generally the pitiful peasants of yesterday, who are not aware of the exact ideals associated with the condition.
