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In the current nomenclature Saint Vitus' dance or chorea (from the Greek χορεíα for dance) has been largely displaced by the eponym Sydenham‘s chorea. The exchange occurred recently, although the association of the saint and his dance had a long evolution. It attested to the durability of the cult of Saint Vitus in which the early notions of the dance underwent differentiation by physicians centuries later.
The legend and tradition
According to hagiographic texts, Saint Vitus or Guy was born during the third century in Sicily, southern Italy.1 2 He came from an illustrious family and against the wishes of family and teachers he became a Christian. During a brief career Vitus was said to have performed numerous miracles.3 On one occasion he cured the paralysis of the hands of his tormentors. On another, his father lost his sight on seeing angels in front of his son. Vitus prayed for him, whereupon his father regained his vision. In another episode the saint relieved the son of the emperor Diocletianus of his demons, …