This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Jordyn Centerwall. Find her on Instagram at @jordyncenterwall. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Upset about the election result? Try joking about reviving a 17th-century poison that women used to kill their husbands. In light of Donald Trump’s victory in the election last week, many women have taken to social media. Some express their fear and seek community. Others highlight problematic messaging from his supporters particularly in reference to women’s health rights. Many fear that Trump’s return to office will bring about federal attempts to limit access to abortion, LGBTQ+ protections, and otherwise dismantle the hard-fought equality in matters such as marriage and owning property. Enter Aqua Tofana.
What Is Aqua Tofana?
Aqua Tofana was a concoction of poisons believed to be created by Giulia Tofana in 17th-century Sicily, Italy. The potion included water, arsenic, lead, and potentially belladonna, also known as the toxic herb nightshade. There has been evidence that the concoction was used across Sicily, Rome, Naples, and Palermo, where Giulia hailed from. Giulia herself is alleged to have been a part of a ring of poison masters in Rome and connected to five others who may have produced and sold similar wares in the 1600s.
The main clients for Aqua Tofana were women looking to escape abusive marriages by killing their husbands, as divorce was illegal under the Roman church at the time. This was done by mixing the completely clear mixture with water or wine. It is even believed that various doses of the potion were available. This allowed the client to pinpoint exactly when their husband would pass. Though we are aware of the contents of Aqua Tofana, it is not known how these substances were combined and in what amounts.
The potions themselves were disguised in bottles containing the image of St. Nicholas. Such symbolism on bottles and worship items was common at the time and caused the poison to go unnoticed. Aqua Tofana is alleged to have caused the demise of 600 men during this time. However, there is no medical proof that all of the cited deaths were from the substance.
Why Is It Being Brought Up?
The interest in the history surrounding Giulia Tofana and her potion is not new. Aqua Tofana was referenced in a Scientific collection of Middle Ages toxicology in 2017. Additionally, the Reddit thread, r/todayilearned, first shared the story in 2018.
The emergence of Aqua Tofana on social media now appears to be a satirical rebuttal to the messaging that has emerged since Trump was declared the presidential elect. Women who expressed their disappointment at the result online were met with horrific comments including, “your body, MY choice” and “go make me a sandwich.” After these messages became frequent, many created videos dedicated to comebacks that could be used in response to such speech. Then, Aqua Tofana started to be brought up in such rebuttals.
The Tattoos
As the history of this practice continues to be spread digitally, many are invoking Aqua Tofana as a symbol of resistance and getting tattoos of it. This is not new according to many commenters who have chimed in about when they got their body art of the potion. The most popular design that people have seems to be a tear-drop-shaped vial with a paper attached reading “Aqua Tofana.” Tattoos are not the only way this imagery is being displayed. Opportunists have been quick to produce tote bags, crewneck sweatshirts, stickers, and other merchandise depicting Aqua Tofana.
Should It Be Taken As A Threat?
Should the satirical use of Aqua Tofana in social media videos be taken as a legitimate threat? Many right-leaning men and women believe so. People have been quick to hop on social media and demand FBI investigations into this “movement.” While joking about such a topic is not something to be taken lightly, it’s important to note that the “threats” have been flying both ways.
I do not endorse or support joking about harming another person because of their beliefs. However, to me, Aqua Tofana feels more like a symbol indicative of women’s frustration and fear at the result of the election. It is being used as a way of meeting fire with fire when confronted with what some might construe as threats to their own well-being. The element of humor present is obvious to me in the way that people have co-opted Trump’s MAGA slogan into MAGTA, Make Aqua Tofana Great Again.
In reality, it is a very small subset of people who are actually getting the tattoos and making the jokes. If anything women seem to be attempting to use the reactions that people concerned about Aqua Tofana messaging have been spreading, as a chance to point out ironies. When talk of Aqua Tofana first spiked, men began discussing covering their drinks. Many of the women making jokes were quick to point out the irony of this response, given that this is something that has become a necessity for many women out of fear of date-rape drugs like roofies.
A Sea Of Symbols
The 4B movement, the blue friendship bracelets being worn, shaved heads, and now Aqua Tofana tattoos. There appears to be a desire to align with symbolism and countermovements post-election. This alignment has quickly been commercialized though. The amount of merch being made in relation to Aqua Tofana and these other movements emphasizes to me the capitalist tinge underlying them.
It is easy to understand the concern on both sides. Women and others are fearful of the message implied when men incite “your body my choice.” On the other hand, men are fearful when they hear whispers of Aqua Tofana. I’m a strong believer that violence, whether verbal or physical, is never the answer. Hate is never the antidote for hate.
What are your thoughts on Aqua Tofana? Is it humor taken too far? Let us know in the comments below.
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