# The Medieval Italian Ritual of Dancing Away Spider Bites Tarantism was a historical phenomenon where rhythmic movement served as a unique curative ritual. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://www.popsci.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6960c473-cb6c-4fb9-b744-d8db30ba4600 ## The Phenomenon of Tarantism Between the 11th and 17th centuries, southern Italy experienced a strange social phenomenon known as tarantism. Residents believed that the bite of a large wolf spider caused uncontrollable shaking and anxiety. To survive, victims engaged in frantic, continuous dancing, which was thought to sweat out the spider's toxic venom. ## The Epicenter in Taranto The coastal city of Taranto, located in the heel of Italy’s boot, served as the epicenter for these outbreaks. During the summer harvest, workers in the fields encountered large, hairy wolf spiders. Local folklore held these creatures responsible for the sudden, convulsive dancing frenzies that gripped the impoverished population for centuries. ## Scientific Reality of Bites Modern science has debunked the link between wolf spiders and tarantism. While these spiders look intimidating with their jerky movements and large leg spans, their bites are generally harmless to humans. In 1693, a doctor even tested the theory by allowing himself to be bitten, yet he experienced no dancing symptoms. ## Mass Hysteria and Oppression Historians now classify tarantism as a form of mass hysteria rather than a medical condition. The phenomenon disproportionately affected women, who faced significant social oppression during the Middle Ages. Dance provided a rare, socially acceptable outlet for these individuals to express their inner turmoil, grief, and desire for visibility within society. ## The Ritual of Pizzica The dance used to treat tarantism is formally known as the pizzica, derived from the Italian word for pinching or biting. Musicians would surround the victim, playing fast-paced 6/8-tempo rhythms on tambourines and violins. This ritual acted as a form of exorcism, allowing the afflicted to enter a trance-like state of movement. ## Broader European Context Tarantism was not an isolated event, as similar dancing plagues occurred across Europe during the Middle Ages. A major recorded frenzy began in Aachen, Germany, on June 24, 1374. In many of these cases, victims danced for days or weeks, with some instances unfortunately resulting in the death of the exhausted participants. ## Evolution into Modern Celebration Over time, the frantic ritual of the tarantella evolved into a joyful celebration of life. Today, it is a beloved folk dance performed at weddings and festivals throughout Italy. Every August, the Puglia region hosts La Notte della Taranta, which is currently Europe’s largest open-air festival dedicated to this traditional music. ## Therapeutic Value of Movement While dancing cannot cure actual venomous bites, it does offer genuine mental health benefits. Research indicates that rhythmic movement reduces stress and increases serotonin levels, which helps regulate mood. By following a drummer’s beat, individuals can process grief or anxiety, proving that the legacy of the tarantella remains relevant for emotional healing. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/tarantella-history-spider-bite/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._