DANSE MACABRE Meaning and
Definition
-
Danse Macabre, also known as the Dance of Death, is a medieval allegorical concept that represents the universality and inevitability of death. The term "danse macabre" originates from the French language, where "danse" means "dance" and "macabre" translates to "macabre" or "death." It refers to a specific artistic genre that gained popularity in Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
The Danse Macabre typically portrays a procession or dance consisting of a skeletal figure, often personifying Death, leading a line of individuals from various social ranks or professions, such as kings, queens, knights, clergy, and peasants. Each person is seen dancing or engaged in an activity, symbolizing the equalizing power of death that knows no distinction and claims everyone, regardless of their status or occupation.
Often depicted in art forms like paintings, engravings, tapestries, and later in literature and music, the central theme of the Danse Macabre aims to remind individuals of their mortality and serves as a warning against the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and social privileges. It arose as a reflection of the devastating impact of the Black Death, a pandemic that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, claiming millions of lives and creating a profound sense of existential uncertainty.
The Danse Macabre continues to captivate and inspire artists today as a symbolic representation of the transience of life and the inevitability of death, reminding individuals to embrace the present and contemplate their own mortality.
Common Misspellings for DANSE MACABRE
- sanse macabre
- xanse macabre
- canse macabre
- fanse macabre
- ranse macabre
- eanse macabre
- dznse macabre
- dsnse macabre
- dwnse macabre
- dqnse macabre
- dabse macabre
- damse macabre
- dajse macabre
- dahse macabre
- danae macabre
- danze macabre
- danxe macabre
- dande macabre
- danee macabre
Etymology of DANSE MACABRE
The term "Danse Macabre" is of French origin and literally translates to "Dance of Death" in English. Its etymology can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages in Europe. The word "danse" comes from the Old French word "dancier", which means "to dance". The word "macabre" is derived from the Latin noun "macaber" or "maccabre", which is believed to have been influenced by the Hebrew word "maqabh". The exact origins of the word "macabre" are uncertain, but it primarily refers to something related to death or the dead. The combination of "danse" and "macabre" came together to describe a medieval allegorical concept where personified Death or Skeletons lead representatives from all walks of life in a dance, emphasizing the universality of death.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
