What are some interesting examples of mass hysteria?

Mass hysteria, also known as mass psychogenic illness or collective delusions, refers to the rapid spread of symptoms of illness or unusual behaviours within a cohesive group. Here are some interesting historical examples:

Salem Witch Trials (1692): In Salem, Massachusetts, a series of trials and executions took place where many individuals, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft. It's now widely believed that mass hysteria, fuelled by religious and social tensions, played a significant role in the accusations and convictions.

Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic (1962): In a girls' school in Kashasha, Tanganyika (now Tanzania), laughter started spontaneously among a small group of students and eventually spread to hundreds of people, causing disruption to the community. The laughter was accompanied by symptoms such as fainting, crying, and respiratory problems. The epidemic lasted for several months before subsiding.

Dancing Plague of 1518: In Strasbourg, France, a woman known as Frau Troffea began dancing in the streets without stopping. Within weeks, dozens of people joined her, and the phenomenon grew into a full-blown "dancing plague," with hundreds of individuals dancing uncontrollably for days or even weeks. The exact cause remains unknown, but theories include mass hysteria, stress-induced psychosis, or poisoning.

Mass Hysteria at the Fátima Apparitions (1917): In Fátima, Portugal, three shepherd children reported seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the site of the reported apparitions, and some witnesses claimed to have seen the sun "dance" in the sky. While some believers interpreted the events as miraculous, sceptics attribute the phenomenon to mass hysteria or suggest natural explanations.

McMartin Preschool Trial (1980s): The McMartin Preschool trial in California was one of the longest and most expensive criminal trials in U.S. history. It involved allegations of widespread child abuse and satanic rituals at the preschool. Ultimately, the case collapsed, and most of the charges were dropped. Many experts believe that the accusations stemmed from unsubstantiated rumours and mass hysteria fuelled by societal fears about child abuse and satanic cults.

These examples illustrate how mass hysteria can manifest in various forms and contexts, often with significant social, cultural, and psychological consequences.