Flagellant

A flagellant is an individual who practices self-inflicted whipping as a form of religious discipline or punishment. This practice, historically prominent in some Christian movements, involves using a whip or scourge to inflict pain upon oneself, often as a way to atone for sins, demonstrate piety, or experience a connection with the suffering of Christ. Flagellation can range from mild to severe, and the frequency and severity vary depending on the individual's beliefs and practices. The movement of flagellants, especially those involving large public displays, has had a tumultuous history, often viewed with suspicion or condemnation from the Church itself.

Flagellant meaning with examples

• During the height of the Black Death, some flagellants believed public self-whipping could appease God and ward off the plague. They would march through towns, publicly scourging themselves to demonstrate their devotion and atone for the sins believed to have caused the disease. This practice sometimes led to social disorder and violence, viewed with distrust by many and the Church.
• In some monastic orders, flagellation was incorporated as part of the monastic discipline, practiced in private. These flagellant monks used whips made of leather or knotted cords to mortify their flesh and to practice humility in the pursuit of spiritual growth. This practice, though not uncommon, was kept under the monastic code.
• The historical accounts depict how individuals who were considered fanatical or in need of salvation became flagellants. These individuals sought physical and spiritual purification and, by their suffering, hoped to achieve divine favor or to overcome personal shortcomings. In their view, the bodily pain was a source of redemption.
• In modern times, the term "flagellant" is sometimes used to describe individuals who engage in BDSM activities involving self-flagellation or those who, in a metaphorical sense, inflict suffering upon themselves for various reasons, such as self-punishment or artistic expression. However, this usage is vastly different from the original religious context.