Black Death Research Paper

The Religious Aspects of the Black Death The Bubonic Plague, commonly known as the Black Death, originated in Europe in 1347 and traversed through Europe until 1353. Caused by the Yersinia bacteria, it spread by direct contact to open wounds or open systems of the body. However, more commonly the plague spreads by infected animals, rodents, or insects. (The Great Mortality) This malicious disease annihilated the lives of everyone entangled within this catastrophe. Along with the poverty-stricken people, the upper-class and the bourgeoisie found themselves face-to-face with death. Overall, twenty-five million people fell victim to the notorious Black Death. The Middle Ages in Europe reigned from the fifth century to the fifteenth century. …show more content…
These people, called flagellants, usually resulted to these rituals because of their lack of knowledge or their attempts to save their soul. Flagellants, predominantly part of the laity (Ancient and Medieval History Online), inflicted or performed a specific practice upon themselves or others in order to “carry out penitential rites.” (Ancient and Medieval History Online) This means that in order to be saved, whether they are saved eternally or on earth, they need to repent all sins and devote themselves to God’s will. Along with grown men, women and children contributed to flagellation. This served as a form of sadism (Flagellation), the tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. Ironically, the definition of flagellation and the religious definition portray two completely different meanings. These meanings contradict each other, however the people continued to act upon these rituals. “People believed in the power of evil, and would do anything they could to ward off the ill forces that lurked outside the church door.” (Writing on the Church Wall) With impending death and evil forces of the plague, the laity depended on the protection of the church and God. Face-to-face with panic and death, medical and scientific developments were not available to everyone. These people relied on merely “casting out the evil” that lie within them. ( Ancient and Medieval History

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Black Death Prevention Research Paper