Todays stamp journey takes us to Strasbourg, France. The stamp shown commemorates the 500th Anniversary of the completion of the Strasbourg cathedral. Construction began in 1176 and ended in 1439 and it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874 (227 years), Impressive enough but the tale to be told does not take place in the cathedral but in the streets below it.

In July of 1518 a lone woman began dancing in the streets. No music was playing and her dance steps were erratic. She swayed and twirled and, although her husband tried to stop her, she would not stop dancing. SHe would not speak and stared blankly at all who approached her as if they did not exist. Several days went by and she continued her dance both night and day.

Soon she was joined by a few others who also would not stop. The local officials were upset. In fact one had recently written about the “folly of dance” and denounced the dancers. More days went by and unable to stop the dancers and the crowds that had formed did the only thing they could do. They brought in musicians who played dance music.

As the numbers of dancers swelled the officials asked medical professionals what might be the cause of this mysterious ailment. They were perplexed but finally came to a diagnoses of “hot blood” or “overheated blood”. Their treatment was to let them dance it off. So they erected stages where the dancers could dance, hired more musicians and had large, strong men attend to the dancers when they grew to weak and would collapse without their support.

Dancing continued for several weeks and, according to writings, “In their madness people kept up their dancing until they fell unconscious and many died.” They soon determined that the town had somehow drawn the wrath of St. Vitus. Vitus is considered the patron saint of actors, comedians, dancers, and epileptics. He is also said to protect against lightning strikes, animal attacks and oversleeping.

The venues were shut down, the musicians ordered to stop and the dancers (continuing to dance) and the townsfolk did a pilgrimage to the nearby town of Saverne where they prayed at a shrine dedicated to St. Vitus. The dancers (still dancing) feet were placed in red shoes and they were led in circles around a statue of St. Vitus.

Much to the relief of all involved it seemed to do the trick and soon the dancing stopped. Thankfully because it was estimated that 15 people a day died at it’s high point.

Many theories have been suggested for this strange event. One is the ingestion of a mold that grows on damp rye and produces a chemical related to LSD. It can induce terrifying hallucinations and violent twitching. However, the effects would not last for the many days the dancing lasted. Some had suggested mass hysteria. The accepted reason, at the time however, was that St. Vitus could curse anyone who displeased him and make them dance. Perhaps you could be cursed by oversleeping. If so, make your way to the Cathedral in Strausbourg, France and dance til you drop.

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Have a great day!