Superstitious Beliefs

What supernatural explanations did people hold about health?

People in medieval England often relied on superstition when it came to health. They believed in supernatural explanations for health and disease.

What were the most common supernatural explanations of causes of disease in the medieval period?

There were 4 main supernatural elements believed to cause disease.

• ❖ Many believed that diseases were the will of God. The Catholic Church taught that, if someone committed a sin, God would punish them with sickness.
• ❖ People believed that illness was a test of faith.
• ❖ Some people believed that supernatural demons could inhabit people's bodies and cause illnesses.
• ❖ Witches were thought to be responsible for spreading diseases.
• ❖ Some people thought astrology was to blame - that the way the stars and planets were aligned could cause disease.

Why did people have supernatural explanations about the causes of disease?

Religion was a major force in medieval England, and the Catholic Church had a lot of influence over people's lives. There was also a lack of scientific knowledge. This led to people believing in supernatural reasons for disease and sickness.

What were the main supernatural beliefs for treatment of disease in medieval medicine?

There were three main treatments for diseases based on superstitious beliefs.

• ❖ Prayers were said to ask God's forgiveness. The rich could pay for prayers to be said on their behalf. Many people used flagellation (whipping themselves).
• ❖ People went on pilgrimages to important religious shrines or tombs.
• ❖ Physicians used horoscopes to treat patients. They would consider two dates: the patient's date of birth and the date their illness began. They would use this information to work out how to treat them.