Overview
This lecture explores the historical phenomenon of the Dancing Plague (Dancing Mania) in Europe, its possible causes, cultural context, and ongoing public health relevance, comparing it to modern outbreaks of mass psychogenic illness.
Historical Context and Description
- The Dancing Plague involved mass, uncontrollable dancing among large groups in Europe from the 13th to 17th centuries.
- Outbreaks could affect hundreds to thousands, sometimes resulting in exhaustion or death.
- Major affected regions included Germany, Holland, and Italy, often amid famine, plague, and social distress.
- Variants included Tarantism in Italy, Imanenjana in Madagascar, and others, with some connected to local saints’ feast days.
Case Definition and Symptoms
- Choreomania describes a psycho-physical disorder with irresistible urges to dance and a morbid love of music.
- Outbreaks could be epidemic or sporadic, often spreading by sight or sound rather than physical contact.
- Symptoms included uncontrollable dancing, nervous symptoms, and sometimes death.
Theories on Causes
- Demonic Possession: Medieval explanation, often citing corrupt clergy and failed baptisms.
- Epilepsy: Some noted similarities (limb jerking, collapse) but epilepsy alone does not account for uncontrollable dancing.
- Tarantula Bite (Tarantism): Folk explanations linked outbreaks to spider bites, but medical evidence is lacking.
- Ergot Poisoning: Consumption of fungus-contaminated rye could cause convulsions, but evidence is inconsistent, especially outside rye-eating regions.
- Social/Cultural Factors: Dance mania possibly served as an emotional release and was triggered by social adversity and cultural beliefs.
Modern Perspectives and Parallels
- Mass psychogenic illness (MPI) occurs in cohesive, stressed groups and spreads rapidly through social or cultural ties.
- Examples include Dinga Dinga Disease in Uganda and modern dance crazes, linked to social stress and cultural responses.
- Recent trends show MPI may be triggered or shaped by media, group anxiety, and societal pressures.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dancing Plague (Dancing Mania) — a historical mass episode of uncontrollable dancing, often epidemic.
- Choreomania — medical term for compulsive dancing with psychological and physical symptoms.
- Tarantism — dancing mania attributed to spider bites, notably in southern Italy.
- Ergot Poisoning — illness from eating rye contaminated with Claviceps purpurea fungus, causing convulsions.
- Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) — illness symptoms spread among group members without an identifiable organic cause.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review assigned readings on mass psychogenic illness and historical epidemics.
- Prepare a case comparison between the Dancing Plague and a modern MPI event for class discussion.
- Reflect on how social, cultural, or psychological factors can influence group health phenomena.