Flagellant

Modern Catholic flagellants

Modern processions of hooded flagellants are still a feature of various mediterranean Catholic countries, mainly in Spain, Portugal and Italy and some former colonies, usually every year during Lent.

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For example in the comune of Guardia Sanframondi in Campania, Italy, such parades are organized once every seven years.

Related Topics:
Guardia Sanframondi - Campania - Italy

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In modern times, it has been speculated that the more extreme practices of mortification of the flesh may have been used to obtain altered states of consciousness for the goal of experiencing religious experiences or visions; medical research has shown that great pain releases endorphines which can have such effect, and even get some fethishists addicted to pain.

Related Topics:
Endorphine - Fethishist

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Some Christians in Philippines practice flagellation as a form of devout worship, sometimes in addition to self-crucifixion (during the end of Lent season).

Related Topics:
Philippines - Crucifixion

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