3. Flagellation Rituals
Driven by the belief that the plague was divine punishment, groups known as flagellants marched from town to town, publicly whipping themselves in dramatic processions. They hoped this self-inflicted pain would earn God’s forgiveness and end the suffering. Ironically, these gatherings often made things worse, spreading disease wherever they went. Eventually, frightened authorities banned flagellant rituals, fearing the chaos and contagion they brought. More on the flagellants and the Black Death
