This essay offers a brief overview of the main features of the convivial dances of Christians between the second and fourth century. Furthermore, it focuses on the use – attested between the fourth and fifth century - of the Gospel episode of the dance of Herodias’ daughter in the context of the polemic against the dances performed at the Christian banquets. Indeed, within this controversy, the performance of Herodias’ daughter was equated with convivial dances in order to highlight their dangerousness. This association derived from the fact that the aforementioned convivial dances were perceived as licentious and in continuity with pagan customs, to the point that they were forbidden to Christians, who continued to dance despite the ecclesiastical prohibitions.
Il «premio della ballerina è la morte del profeta» (Ambr., virg. 3,26): la danza della figlia di Erodiade nella polemica contro i balli conviviali di IV-V secolo
Mario Resta
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
2022-01-01
Abstract
This essay offers a brief overview of the main features of the convivial dances of Christians between the second and fourth century. Furthermore, it focuses on the use – attested between the fourth and fifth century - of the Gospel episode of the dance of Herodias’ daughter in the context of the polemic against the dances performed at the Christian banquets. Indeed, within this controversy, the performance of Herodias’ daughter was equated with convivial dances in order to highlight their dangerousness. This association derived from the fact that the aforementioned convivial dances were perceived as licentious and in continuity with pagan customs, to the point that they were forbidden to Christians, who continued to dance despite the ecclesiastical prohibitions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
