tarantella etymology

Etymology

The word "tarantella" comes from the Italian city of Taranto in the southern region of Puglia.

Meaning and Origin

A tarantella is:

• A type of folk dance that originated in the region around Taranto in Italy. It is characterized by its fast, lively tempo and passionate, rhythmic movements.
• A musical genre that accompanies the dance. Tarantella music is typically played on traditional instruments such as the tambourine, fiddle, and accordion.

The origin of the tarantella is uncertain, but there are several theories:

• Mythological Belief: One theory suggests that the dance originated from an ancient ritual used to cure people believed to have been bitten by a venomous spider called the tarantula. According to this myth, the fast-paced movements of the dance would induce sweating and thus help expel the venom from the body.
• Historical Influences: Another theory is that the tarantella developed from a combination of various dance traditions from different cultures that interacted in the Puglia region, including Greek, Arabic, and Spanish influences.
• Religious Expression: Some scholars believe that the tarantella may have originated as a religious expression, particularly related to the cult of Saint Paul, the patron saint of Taranto.

Today, the tarantella is a popular and vibrant form of dance and music performed at festivals and celebrations in Italy and around the world.

tarantella relate terms

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• tarantella

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