The Dancing Mania, an epidemic of the Middle Ages

Justus Friedrich Karl Hecker - De Danswoede (3124 D 520002)

== Dancing Mania ==

Dancing Mania, also known as St. Vitus' Dance and St. John's Dance, was a social phenomenon that occurred primarily in mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It involved groups of people, sometimes thousands at a time, dancing uncontrollably and erratically. The mania affected men, women, and children who danced until they collapsed from exhaustion. The phenomenon was well-documented in historical records and has been the subject of much speculation and research.

Historical Context

Dancing Mania first appeared in the 7th century but became more prevalent during the Middle Ages. The most notable outbreaks occurred in the Holy Roman Empire, particularly in the regions that are now Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The first major outbreak was recorded in Aachen in 1374, and another significant episode occurred in Strasbourg in 1518.

Symptoms and Behavior

Participants in Dancing Mania often exhibited strange behaviors, including jumping, twitching, and convulsing. They sometimes screamed, laughed, or cried uncontrollably. Many danced until they collapsed from exhaustion or even died. Some reports suggest that the dancers were unaware of their surroundings and could not control their movements.

Causes

The exact cause of Dancing Mania remains unknown, but several theories have been proposed:

• **Ergot Poisoning**: One theory suggests that the mania was caused by ergot poisoning, a condition resulting from consuming rye bread contaminated with the fungus Claviceps purpurea. Ergot contains chemicals similar to LSD, which can cause hallucinations and convulsions.
• **Psychological Factors**: Another theory posits that the phenomenon was a form of mass hysteria or psychogenic illness, triggered by the stress and hardships of the time, including famine, plague, and war.
• **Religious and Cultural Factors**: Some researchers believe that the mania was influenced by religious fervor and the belief in demonic possession or divine punishment. The association with St. Vitus and St. John suggests a possible link to religious rituals and pilgrimages.

Responses and Treatments

Authorities and communities responded to Dancing Mania in various ways. Some tried to cure the afflicted through exorcisms or religious ceremonies. Others attempted to isolate the dancers or provide them with music, hoping that structured dancing would help them regain control. In some cases, participants were taken to shrines dedicated to St. Vitus or St. John in the hope of a miraculous cure.

Legacy

Dancing Mania has left a lasting impact on cultural and medical history. It has been referenced in literature, art, and music, and continues to be a subject of interest for historians, psychologists, and medical researchers. The phenomenon has also contributed to the understanding of mass psychogenic illness and the effects of social and environmental stress on human behavior.

See Also

• Mass hysteria
• Ergotism
• St. Vitus
• Middle Ages
• Holy Roman Empire