|
|
Article: Let's end this millennium differently from the last; 999 brought out the worst in some people.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
- Article date:
- January 5, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
One thousand years ago, Europe was seized by terror, hysteria and altogether strange behavior.
In 999, historians claim, debts were erased, and husbands and wives confessed their infidelities to each other _ and were forgiven.
Criminals were released from prison, and beggars were fed more generously by the fortunate. Churches and cathedrals, convents and monasteries were jammed with believers demanding confession and absolution.
There's even evidence that monks stopped copying the Bible, which at the time, was pretty much all that monks did.
As Christmas approached, the kindnesses gave way to fear and hysteria. Sporadic riots occured. ...