Dance of the Seven Veils Day is observed every year on January 22 every year to mark a momentous event in the Bible: the execution of John the Baptist. The occasion is widely held with events and special prayers in western countries.
History & Significance
The enchanting dance is associated with the instances leading to the beheading of John the Baptist and is believed to have first appeared in the 1893 English translation of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 French play “Salomé.”
Dance of the Seven Veils in film https://t.co/dxCLZqUXzo
— Quentin Neroes (@inkyfingers2019) November 22, 2023
According to Matthew 14, King Herod Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist for condemning his marriage to Herodias, who was previously married to Antipas’s half-brother Herod II.
On Antipas’ birthday, his niece danced before him, and he promised to give her anything she would ask for. However, keeping up the promise wasn’t easy as she asked for nothing else but a shocking demand for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Even though Antipas was hesitant, he commanded it to be given to her.
Celebrations
One of the most iconic scenes from #Hollywood is Jim Parsons’ character Henry performing the Dance of the Seven Veils from Salom. At first the scene frightened Jim, but this quickly turned into determination to do the scene, and Henry, justice. pic.twitter.com/dYXiL1ZfO6
— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) May 9, 2020
The day celebrates dance, especially belly dancing. To mark this occasion, many opera houses around the world recreate the story associated with it and bring “Salomé” to life every year. Dancers and dance enthusiasts who wish to commemorate on an individual level or among their circles, perform some belly dance moves as a tribute to the historic event.
