An old engraving of a man punishing himself in church by means of a 'penance' c. 1530. Penance is self-punishment carried out to try to right a wrong. This man, Thomas Bainham, holds a candle and faggot. A faggot is a bundle of twigs bound together. A faggot was used to indicate 'punishment'. An act of penance usually included a confession to a priest that required some form of self-sacrifice, include prayer or Bible reading, fasting and abstaining from alcohol.
An old engraving of a man punishing himself in church by participating in a penance in the middle ages. Penance is self-punishment carried out to try to right a wrong. This man holds a candle and faggot. A faggot is a bundle of twigs bound together. A faggot was used to indicate 'punishment' (heretics who recanted were required to wear an emblem of a faggot on their sleeve as reminder of their misdeeds). An act of penance occurs when the person publicly tries to make up for any wrongs or misdeeds. It usually included a confession to a priest that required some form of self-sacrifice. Self-discipline could include prayer or Bible reading. More severe privations included fasting and abstaining from alcohol or tobacco. It could occasionally involve self-flagellation.
Size: 2130px × 3071px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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