Prevention of disease

• Religious actions

  It was believed disease could be prevented by:

  • Living a life free of sin
  • Attending church
  • Prayer: praying for God's forgiveness of their sins
  • Pilgrimages
  • Fasting: done to show they were sorry for their sins
  • Self- flagellation: whipping yourself to repent sins
  • Wearing magical/religious charms
• Purifying the air

  To prevent becoming sick from miasma and breathing in the bad air people:

  • Carried posies: bunches of sweet-smelling flowers and herbs
  • Lit fires: the smoke would drive away any bad air
  • Burning herbs/substances: cleaned the air
  • Ringing bells or allowing birds to fly around the house: to keep the air moving