Lee, Alexandra R. A.. 2022. Plague and Popular Revival: Ecclesiastical Authorities and the Bianchi Devotions in 1399. Studies in Church History, 58, pp. 68-90. ISSN 0424-2084 [Article]

No full text available

Text plague-and-popular-revival-ecclesiastical-authorities-and-the-bianchi-devotions-in-1399.pdf - Published Version Permissions: Administrator Access Only Download (385kB)

Abstract or Description

Religious processions were commonly held during plague outbreaks in medieval Europe to provide succour against disease. The Bianchi of 1399, a popular religious revival, is one such example. This article addresses the Bianchi in Tuscany, demonstrating the crucial role of ecclesiastical authorities in moulding this response to plague, and contributing to both religious history and the history of medicine. It first problematizes the connection between the Bianchi and a punitive plague which could purportedly be remedied by religious devotions. The role of the clergy in the movement is then examined, demonstrating their prominence in preparing the populace, preaching and even leading processions. An assessment of Bianchi processional composition and routes reveals exploitation of pre-existing liturgical traditions. This localized, comparative analysis demonstrates how individual Tuscan towns organized and supported these devotional activities, successfully managing the popular response to plague expressed in the Bianchi devotions.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1017/stc.2022.4
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	History
Dates:	Date Event 8 June 2022 Published Online June 2022 Published
Item ID:	32145
Date Deposited:	14 Sep 2022 08:31
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2022 08:31
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/32145

View statistics for this item...

Edit Record (login required)