Editing Flagellant (section)

====In Italy====

The first recorded cases of mass popular flagellation occurred in [[Perugia]], in 1259. The prime cause of the Perugia episode is unclear, but it followed an outbreak of an epidemic<!-- which? --> and chroniclers report how [[mania]] spread throughout almost all the people of the city. Thousands of citizens gathered in great processions, singing and with crosses and banners, they marched throughout the city whipping themselves. It is reported that surprising acts of [[Charity (virtue)|charity]] and repentance accompanied the marchers. However, one chronicler noted that anyone who did not join in the flagellation was accused of being in league with the [[devil]]. They also killed [[Jew]]s and priests who opposed them. [[Marvin Harris]]<ref name="Harris">[[Marvin Harris]], ''Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches'', Chapter 10 <!-- page 197 out of 235 in my translated edition. -->.</ref> links them to the Messianic preaching of [[Gioacchino da Fiore]]. 

Similar processions occurred across [[Northern Italy]], with groups of up to 10,000 strong  processing in [[Modena]], [[Bologna]], [[Reggio Emilia|Reggio]] and [[Parma]]. Although certain city authorities refused the Flagellant processions entry. 

A similar movement arose again in 1399, again in [[Northern Italy]] in the form of the [[White Penitents]] or ''Bianchi'' movement. This rising is said to have been started by a peasant who saw a vision. The movement became known as the ''laudesi'' from their constant hymn singing. At its peak, a group of over 15,000 adherents gathered in [[Modena]] and marched to Rome, but the movement rapidly faded when one of its leaders was burned at the stake by order of [[Boniface IX]].