Definition Catharsis is a Greek word meaning �purification� or �cleansing� derived from the ancient Greek gerund (transliterated as) kathairein �to purify, purge�, and adjective katharos �pure or clean�. Catharsis can be interpreted as purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art, a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension and elimination of the complex by bringing it to the consciousness and affording it expression. Origin In Phaedo and in Phaedrus Plato connects virtue and mystery and uses the word �catharsis� for purification in this connection. The Dionysian1 ritual was essentially cathartic. Dancing mania and other manifestations of collective hysteria were relieved by a ritual outlet. Music was considered good for states of anxiety, according to Plato and Theophrastus. Poetry, music, and dance were strictly connected with each other as ritual means to purification and purgation. The Pythagoreans used music to induce harmony of the soul. For them music was a medicine. Hippocrat......

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