I enjoy reading about medieval times, so, the little ditty in the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not cartoon the other day caught my attention. Imagine my delight that there is more ancient history new to me to investigate.
Brains much more disciplined than mine have researched the dancing mania of 1518 in Strasbourg, France. There are a number of articles on the internet if one is so inclined. I read one article that said it could have been a disease caused by a mold on their bread that caused hallucinations. Another stated it was the grinding poverty combined with a practice of worshipping “saints”, especially one that was a god of dance, then a mass hysteria ensued. There's probably a multitude of other theories floating around. But no one really seems to know for sure what happened except that hundreds died dancing.
It’s a fascinating read. Has anyone else ever heard of this strange event?
A Few Articles Of Note:
Dancing Plague of 1518 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dancing Plague of 1518 - Historic Mysteries
I vaguely remember reading something similar. Great post, Sparky. Blessings
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and like Linda, I do remember a little of this.
ReplyDeleteStay cool today.
I dont remember reading about the dancing, but interesting this morning. There have been 'nut cases' since way back when - not just today! Have a good Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of this event. I wonder if it actually happened. Sort of like how rumors spread on the internet today. Of course, maybe it really happened. Interesting.
ReplyDelete@Terra ~ Apparently there are many chroniclers from that era that documented the event. Unless that many residents where lying, it was true. :)
ReplyDeleteThe reason they danced so long without stopping is because of a new tune "Don't step on my blue suede shoes" by a certain Elvise Le Press Ley. The song was originally sang in "Olde Frenche" and was called "Ne dancez pas sur mon sabot!" Sabot being a shoe carved out of wood.
ReplyDeleteThis song was very popular at the time and gave rise to a new form of dancing called rock and roll.(Rock in old French means stone). However, many did not understand what this meant and took the dance style too literally and started throwing rocks/stones up in the air for fun. The rocks fell on the dancers and many were injured and died. But the dance went on because of this and other catchy tunes.
This is all true. I read it recently in a book which I am writing.
God bless.
@Victor S E Moubarak ~ I like your explanation best. :)
ReplyDeleteYes to what Victor said--it is so preposterous it's probably true! LOL!
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