This essay investigates the choreutic devotions related to saint Vitus, one of which is the healing-ritual from the choreomania by means of a frenetic dance (which is both the outcome of a demonic possession and the instrument of its cure), according to the typical choreutic-musical exorcism. Such devotional feature is related to St. Vitus’ power as exorcist. Another devotional feature of his cult is the protection, through choreutic rituals, of his devotees from their own and their animals’ affections, extended to the space they dwell. This feature is also expressed by a specific ritual, linked with the concept of “mystical circle” and intended to sacralise the area powered by the Saint: St. Vitus’ statue is carried around a specific church or a specific chapel in a dancing procession, with the musical accompaniment of the band. A further possible interpretation of these choreutic devotions – as is well known – connects them to pre-christian rituals still surfacing in the Christian worship for the saints.
Note sui “balli” di san Vito: danze, riti e luoghi del culto, in L. Carnevale (a cura di), Spazi e luoghi sacri. Espressioni ed esperienze di vissuto religioso, Bari 2017, pp. 211-226
Resta Mario
2017-01-01
Abstract
This essay investigates the choreutic devotions related to saint Vitus, one of which is the healing-ritual from the choreomania by means of a frenetic dance (which is both the outcome of a demonic possession and the instrument of its cure), according to the typical choreutic-musical exorcism. Such devotional feature is related to St. Vitus’ power as exorcist. Another devotional feature of his cult is the protection, through choreutic rituals, of his devotees from their own and their animals’ affections, extended to the space they dwell. This feature is also expressed by a specific ritual, linked with the concept of “mystical circle” and intended to sacralise the area powered by the Saint: St. Vitus’ statue is carried around a specific church or a specific chapel in a dancing procession, with the musical accompaniment of the band. A further possible interpretation of these choreutic devotions – as is well known – connects them to pre-christian rituals still surfacing in the Christian worship for the saints.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
