eBay

Thanks for looking.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Type: Real Photo Postcard No.35

Postal History: AZO Stamp box dates this card to 1918-1930.

Caption: Flagellantes.

Additional Information:

Flagellation (from Latin "flagellare", to whip) was really a common religious practice among followers of ancient religions. The practice was later adopted by Roman Catholics during the 13th century in Europe. Flagellation became a form of penance in the Roman Catholic Church, especially in ascetic monastic orders. Dominicus Loricatus, an 11th century religious zealot once repeated the entire Psalter twenty times in one week, accompanying each psalm with a hundred lash-strokes to his back. Later on the Flagellants would take this self-mortification into urban areas and other public spaces as a demonstration of their piety and devotion to Christ. Aside from actual flagellation, the rituals were built around hymns, processions, distinct gestures, uniforms, veiled or covered faces, and discipline.

Flagellation was brought to the Philippines by Spanish monks during the Spanish colonial period. The practice is now being called as "penitensiya" (pronounced as peh-nee-ten- tia) in the Philippines. Certain religious brotherhoods from many parts of the country would organize 'flagellation activities' during the Holy Week for the specific purpose of scourging the flesh ?in payment for all the sins of the Christian people?. The men who would usually participate in the annual performances of "penitence" initially would meet together either in private homes or in parish churches and local monasteries, to contemplate Christ's suffering and share in evening meals. They would then extend to one another signs of affection and goodwill and will later on offer apologies for past sins. The flagellants would usually cover their faces in order to make a point that they're doing it for God and not for glory. Penitents silently journeyed out on to dirt and cobblestone streets, walking barefoot through narrow corridors of urban and rural thoroughfares for distances of some two to five leagues. Along the way they scourged themselves with knotted and wax-tipped ropes across their backs until blood drenched their linen tunics and spilled over on to darkened pavements.

Filipino flagellants today usually make sure that participants don't have any life-threatening disease and are all physically-fit to endure certain pains. Due to the physical strength and endurance required to perform in front of the public with unwavering resolve that corporate legislation required that flagellation only be performed by men under the age of fifty in good health. Fortunately, modern-day flagellants in the Philippines now have first-aid kits and are even monitored by government agencies to make sure that medical help will be given to flagellants who might become sick or who may faint along the way.

The images in this report were taken from Victoria Town, Tarlac Province, Philippines. The penitents started their procession at around 3 in the afternoon, Manila Time, this Maundy Thursday. The "penitents" covered their faces to make sure that no one from the viewing public knows who they are. Some of the penitents carried big wooden crosses and walked for more than one hour. There were medical volunteers behind them to ensure that none of the 'flagellants' would become ill or get exhausted. The flagellants who carried wooden crosses were later tied up on the cross and were left there for one hour. None of the flagellants were crucified because actual crucifixion is now hugely condemned by Roman Catholic bishops from all over the Philippines. Flagellation remains as a practice during Holy Week in most predominantly Roman Catholic countries. Modern-day flagellants in the Philippines are now more cautious about their own health and safety. In fact, most flagellants in the country would now stay away from actual crucifixion since such may bring tetanus to the one who is being nailed upon the cross.

Modern-day flagellants do the practice to commemorate Christ's ultimate sacrifice to save humankind from sins and damnation. But aside from the commemorative function, a personal meaning was expressed in these ceremonial acts. Since sufferings and afflictions were experienced by all of those who imitated Christ's march to Calvary, modern-day flagellants would argue that 'self-flagellation' has the ability and power to cleanse, to heal, and to restore moral order. Besides, modern-day Filipino flagellants see flagellation as a religious devotion that can replenish one's spiritual wisdom and heal a person's physical illness. The said custom is one of the main traditions in the observance of Holy Week in the Philippines.

To the best of our ability we describe all defects, if any. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email us.

How we grade our Postcards:

MINT - A perfect card just as it comes from the printing press. No marks, or creases, and no writing or postmarks.
A clean, fresh card.

NEAR MINT - Like Mint but with very light aging or very slight discoloration from being in an album for many years.
Not as sharp or crisp.

EXCELLENT - Like near mint in appearance but may have one small defect such as an almost undetectable bend, crease or slightly blunted corner tips, etc. May have writing or postal use on the address side.

VERY GOOD - May have one or two minor defects such as a light crease, bend, blunted or rounded corners, a small amount of postal ink or writing to front that does not detract from the image. May have writing or postal use on the address side.

GOOD - Corners may be blunt or rounded with noticeable bends or creases. May have soiling to picture side that detracts from the picture. May have heavy postal ink and/or writing to picture side of card that detracts from the picture.
May have writing or postal use on the address side. Card may have a small tear or chipped corner.

FAIR - Card may have a missing corner or be significantly torn. Excess soil, stains, creases, writing, or cancellation
may affect the picture. This could be a scarce card that is difficult to find in any condition.

Note to Washington State Residents:
The State of Washington requires you to pay sales tax unless you have a current, valid Washington State Resale Certificate and provide us the number and a faxed or emailed copy of a signed resale certificate prior to completing your transaction.

SHIPPING

Postcards, blotters, business cards and snapshot photos which sell for less than $19.99 will be placed in a semi-rigid archival sleeve and mailed via USPS in an appropriately sized envelope. Postcards, blotters and snapshot photos including combined orders which sell for $19.99 and above will be placed in a semi-rigid archival sleeve and mailed via USPS in a stay flat mailer using an eBay Shipping Label. This policy includes all U.S. destinations including Alaska and Hawaii.

All of those mentioned above mailed to non-United States or foreign destinations will be placed in a semi-rigid archival sleeve and mailed via USPS in an appropriately sized envelope regardless of final price. If upgraded shipping is desired, please contact seller prior to end of auction or placing order for fixed price item.

Large photos, paper ephemera and cabinet cards will be placed in a soft sleeve, then sandwiched between two sheets of chipboard and mailed in an appropriately sized envelope or box, depending on mailing requirements.