Flagellant Master Leads His Band of Followers Through a City

     This image was in our book on page 277. I have had trouble finding information about this image, I can only seem to find sites trying to sell copies of it. However I chose this image, to give the readers of this blog (I know there are many) an image of flagellants during the 16th century. The definition of flagellant is, one who scourges himself by way of religious discipline or penance; esp. one of a sect of fanatics (Latin flagellantes) that arose in the 13th century (OED). A sect arose in the thirteenth century calling themselves Flagellants, because the would whip themselves bloody for penance. The black death was a contributing factor to their organization. They believed that by showing their penance through self mutilation would help remove the plague. Other sources say they believed this ritual helped them become closer to God by suffering pain for sin as Christ had.
     After the middle of the 14th century the sect dwindled in France, until the rise in religious civil wars in France in the mid-16th Century. The rise in the reformation contributed to the rise of the tradition. Even today the Flagellants practice and publicly show there penance. There are many reports of flagellants in the Philippines. If you are interested in seeing modern flagellant practices click here . Although, I am warning you that this is graphic, and if you have a weak stomach or have eaten recently I strongly advise you not to view this video. Consider yourselves warned.


Sources:http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/70904?redirectedFrom=flagellants#eid
             http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/flagellants.htm
             http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/society/flagellants.html