Tarantism was cultured-bound syndrome commonly seen in Southern Italy, prevalent between the 15th - 20th centuries. This condition started after a reak or imagined spider bite, which was then followed by somatic, neuropsychiatric, and hyperkinetic symptoms. Some reported cures included color-based therapy, dance, and participation in religious pilgrimages. 

We reviewed primary anthropological sources describing tarantism from the 14th through the mid-20th century, including books and video documentations. 

Tarantism would start with an acute onset of mood symptoms, psychosis, weakness, and hyperkinetic movements (“tarantismo”). It was attributed to the bite of the tarantula spider, although such bites were documented in only a minority of cases. The cure was a complex ritual through the "pizzica" dance, which also employed ribbons of particular colors (chromatherapy). These practices were later co-opted by the Catholic Church, with annual pilgrimages to the city of Galatina during the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Tarantism shares features with other culture-bound movement disorders such as Latah, Miryachit, and the Jumping Frenchman of Maine. Dance had a duel role: persons with tarantism would exhibit dancing compulsions, on the other hand, specific musics were essential to cure this syndrome. Tarantism showcases the role of culture as a conduit for internal drives, a propagator of functional disorders, and a guide to cures.