The Black Death

In the mid-14th century a great epidemic of plague, mainly the bubonic variant known as The Black Death swept through Europe killing millions. Many people feared it was God’s judgement on a wicked world. Dice-makers turned their dice into beads for prayer and the Archbishop of York ordered solemn processions to ask for God’s mercy. One particular group who subscribed to this judgement theory were the Flagellants, groups of hooded men who marched with their white robes emblazoned on both sides with a red cross. They marched in parties of around 100 in a funeral procession from town to town with a combination of hymnal singing and sobbing. Throughout Europe they preached against church corruption and persecution of the Jews. Twice a day they performed a ceremony in public where they whipped themselves or beat themselves with iron spikes. The general public had tremendous regard for the Flagellants, as they see their acts as symbolizing man’s remorse for his wicked ways in a period when God’s judgement and wrath were manifestly evident.
By the 1350s there was a religious revival in Europe aimed at atoning for whatever sins may have caused the plague. This revival lead to an increase in charitable works and the founding of many new hospitals across Europe.
Also many people paid money to their priests to dedicate Masses to them and their families, believing that this would ensure divine protection on Earth. The result of this was a large income for the church that was spent on intricate decoration and liturgical music. As a result most churches had at least one resident musician whose task was to produce music on a weekly basis for both the Mass and the choir.