Amulet, Cure and Ornament. Red Coral in Trapani during the Plague Epidemics of 1575 and 1624

Abstract

Among the numerous epidemic episodes that have affected western Sicily in modern times, sadly famous are the plague of 1575 and 1624. The latter was the most serious occurred in Trapani and the one of which the most dramatic testimonies are preserved. Trapani quickly assumed the role of the starting point of the plague epidemic that raged in Sicily until 1626. The documents of the time testify to the coexistence of popular and religious beliefs of a superstitious nature with embryonic policies to contain the contagion on a scientific basis. The most famous doctor of the time in Trapani, Pietro Parisi, as it is known also linked to Malta, among other things recommended a coral-based therapy in case of pestiferous fever but also as a hemostatic as it was believed that coral constricts the blood and dilates the respiratory tract. For preventive purposes, wearing coral artifacts, for which Trapani is famous throughout the world in modern times, was the practice with a prophylactic and amuletic function.