second appointment with the conference on tarantism

SAN PIETRO VERNOTIC – Second appointment with the conference “San Pietro and the Taranta” organized by the cultural association “Proposte”. On Friday 22 November at 6.30 pm at the association’s headquarters in via Stazione, 20 one of the greatest local scholars, Pierpaolo De Giorgi, will be a guest. After the success of the first evening with the expert teacher of Brindisi Tarantism, it will be the turn of the analysis of the phenomenon between myths, legends and symbolism.

The myth of tarantism is today at the center of more than national interest, according to the philosopher and ethnomusicologist Pierpaolo De Giorgi, historical founder of the Torrepaduli Tamburellisti, author of the recent book “La Grande Armonia” and other volumes on the phenomenon. There were many topics of discussion, from animal to religious symbolism as well as the reference saints: Saint Peter, Saint Donato, Saint Phocas, the Medici saints, even the Madonna dell’Arco. Even alone, each saint, as an otherworldly archetype, represents both complementary opposites. And starting from this concept, De Giorgi in “The Great Harmony” collects this set of values ​​founded on the harmony of opposites. A historical and territorial excursus that extends beyond the borders of the great Salento to touch many territories up to ancient Greece and the myths that symbolize it.

De Giorgi has been investigating for many years the close relationship between the Magna Graecia rites and the music and dance of those “bitten” by the mythical taranta, the symbolic animal that “possesses” the tarantate and forces them to undergo musical and dance therapy in trance. According to the author, the tradition of the provinces of Lecce and Brindisi is directly connected with that of Taranto, capital of Magna Graecia, and with the ancient remedy of universal harmony, present in the rites of Dionysus, Apollo and the Great Mother . In the events of the symbolic animal taranta, which “possesses” the tarantate and forces them to undergo musical and dance therapy in trance, there are extraordinary resources for contemporary society, which has lost harmony with the environment and, for this reason, it has poisoned and devastated the entire world. The appointment with Pierpaolo De Giorgi, also in the hagiographic analysis, precedes the last meeting of the conference on 6 December which will be held at the church of San Pietro Apostolo and will be curated by the scholar Franco Verrienti.

**In light of ⁣the resurgence of interest in traditional healing practices, what are the ethical considerations and potential benefits ⁢of incorporating tarantism-related knowledge into modern approaches to mental health?**

## World Today News: Special Interview – Tarantism: Myth, Symbolism, and Healing

**Host:** Welcome ‌to World⁣ Today News. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of tarantism, a phenomenon that has captivated ⁤scholars and intrigued the public⁣ for centuries. We are joined by two esteemed⁤ guests:⁢ **Pierpaolo De Giorgi**, a renowned philosopher, ethnomusicologist, and author ⁣of “The Great Harmony,” ‍and **[Name of second guest]**, a [Expert credentials and background related to tarantism].

**Section 1: Decoding ​the ‍Myth**

**Host:** Professor De Giorgi, your book “The Great ⁣Harmony” explores the rich ​tapestry of myths and legends surrounding tarantism. Could you shed light on the origins ⁣of this myth and its enduring⁤ allure?

**De Giorgi:** [Elaborate on the historical roots of tarantism, its connection to ancient Greece, and its evolution through various cultural interpretations.]

**Host:** [Second guest], how do‌ you see the tarantula bite as⁢ a symbolic representation in the context of this myth?

**[Second guest]:** [Offer perspectives on the symbolic meaning of the tarantula, linking it to themes like fear, female power, or the confrontation with the unknown.]

**Section 2: Saints and Symbolism**

**Host:**⁤ De ⁤Giorgi, you mention various saints being invoked in tarantism rituals. Can you explain the significance of saints like Peter, Donato, Phocas, and even the Madonna dell’Arco in this context?

**De Giorgi:** [Discuss the role of these saints as intermediaries, protectors, or embodiments of opposing forces that represent the duality inherent in tarantism.]

**Host:** ⁣ [Second guest], how does understanding these saintly figures contribute to our understanding of the psychological and social dimensions of tarantism?

**[Second guest]:** [Offer insights on the role of religion and faith in dealing with the perceived threat of the tarantula and the search for healing.]

**Section 3:⁣ The Healing Power of Music and Dance**

**Host:** Professor De Giorgi, you have emphasized the connection between tarantism and ancient Greek rituals dedicated to Dionysus, Apollo, and the ‌Great Mother. Can you elaborate on this ‍connection and how music and⁤ dance were used as⁤ therapeutic tools?

**De Giorgi:** [Explain the concept of “universal harmony” and how music and dance functioned as cathartic experiences in these rituals, drawing parallels with tarantism.]

**Host:** ⁣ [Second guest], what‍ are ⁣your thoughts on the ‍resurgence of interest in traditional healing practices ‍like those associated with‌ tarantism?

**[Second guest]:** [Discuss the potential benefits of incorporating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare, while emphasizing the need for critical evaluation]

**Section 4: ​ Lessons for Today’s World**

**Host:** De ‌Giorgi, your work suggests that tarantism offers‌ valuable ⁣insights for‍ contemporary society. Can you elaborate on the lessons we can draw from this ancient phenomenon?

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​ with nature, recognizing ⁤the balance of opposites, and the power of community in addressing psychological and social challenges.]

**Host:** [Second guest], how can we bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding in addressing ​issues like tarantism and mental health?

**[Second guest]:**⁢ [Offer concluding remarks highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and the need for respectful dialog between communities and scholars.]

**Host:** Thank you,⁢ Professor De ⁤Giorgi and [Second guest], for this insightful discussion. We hope this has shed ​light on the fascinating world of tarantism and its enduring relevance in our contemporary society.