The Flagellants were religious zealots of the Middle Ages in Europe who demonstrated their religious fervor and sought atonement for their sins by vigorously whipping themselves in public displays of penance. This approach to achieving redemption was most popular during times of crisis.

What is the Flagellant movement?

Flagellantism was a 14th-century movement, consisting of penitents in the Catholic Church. It began as a Christian pilgrimage and was later condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical. The followers were noted for including public flagellation in their rituals.

Why did people whip themselves during the plague?

Flagellants were people who travelled about whipping each other. They believed that the Black Death was God'' punishment. They punished themselves in order to beg forgiveness and travelled around, singing hymns and saying prayers. There were two types of plague.