Flagellant Confraternities (Central Italy)
In Central Italy, there were groups of people in the olden days called flagellant confraternities. They would walk through the streets in long groups, hitting themselves with whips as a way to show their love and devotion to God. This was because they believed that the more they suffered, the more God would forgive their sins.
There were different types of flagellant confraternities. Some did it in public, while others did it in private. Some of them also wore robes and hoods, like in a costume or a uniform. This helped them feel a sense of group identity or belonging.
The practice of flagellation by these confraternities was controversial, and not everyone agreed with it. Some people thought it was extreme or dangerous. However, the flagellants believed that this was the most direct way to connect with God and that the physical pain they endured was worth it.
Today, flagellant confraternities are less common or have been replaced by other religious practices in many places. However, they are still significant in some parts of Central Italy, where they continue to maintain their traditions and beliefs.
There were different types of flagellant confraternities. Some did it in public, while others did it in private. Some of them also wore robes and hoods, like in a costume or a uniform. This helped them feel a sense of group identity or belonging.
The practice of flagellation by these confraternities was controversial, and not everyone agreed with it. Some people thought it was extreme or dangerous. However, the flagellants believed that this was the most direct way to connect with God and that the physical pain they endured was worth it.
Today, flagellant confraternities are less common or have been replaced by other religious practices in many places. However, they are still significant in some parts of Central Italy, where they continue to maintain their traditions and beliefs.