Ancient Greek audiences stamped their feet rather than clapping their hands to applaud
March, 27: World Theatre Day
Ancient Greek audiences stamped their feet rather than clapping their hands to applaud.One theory is that the tradition of clapping dates back to 1473 and the original outbreak of cholera. Slapping your hands together was a signal to those around that you were infected. Eventually, it became a token of applause, a way of keeping time, and then, by the 1800s, a musical device in its own right.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
24 Comments
Sarah Ivans
Actually, the ancient Celtics were the first to stomp. They stomped their feet very fast in an attempt to avoid drowning during a flash flood. It became known as the river dance. Lol
Pat Spinelli
"No" "know"
Bonnie Blackwood
Thanks Spinelli. That drives me crazy. there, they're, their.I KNOW you get it.
Sam McClain
There is also a theory that this is where the phrase, "break a leg" comes from in theater. The idea being, perform so well that the audience breaks a leg from stomping so hard/much.
Glenn Rickert
That would make sense, because the phrase is "break A leg," not "break YOUR leg."
Taryn Brown
I got it right!
James Vetzel
They also didn't use the "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down" indication for Gladiators Death the way it's portrayed in the Movies.
Wendell Harrington
hands full of things to throw or eat.
Sky Josh
Cool!
Empara Samuda
Today is not my day.I am not good at guessing answers.
SNarKygrrrl7379
1 of my favorite things to say-- "break a leg... just not yours." ;-)
Bobbie Evans
I am old and retired but I like asking these questions. It keeps my mind from the ravages of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Brenda Bush
I enjoy these fun facts. I had the correct answer but on idea how or why I knew.
Bill McCallie
most greeks really did what they wanted to. some stomped their feet , others clapped and some booed if they disapproved.....how the hell would anyone find that a useful piece of information.
Sandy Robinson
Very good theory and mostly true. I can tell you probably were a history or literature major. This stomping were talked about in both subjects in some high schools and all colleges. I like to know where people remember their answers and to be ethical, not make a quick look up on the internet by phone, tablet, etc.
Otherwise why play the game?
Anthony Griffin
It's amazing how people evolve, with methods of communication.
Albert Aponte
If you people ever watched Greek movies instead of all these answers that you are coming up with you would no.