Common Beliefs:
* Miasma Theory: This was a popular theory for centuries, suggesting that illnesses, including the plague, were caused by "bad air" or "miasma." This bad air was thought to arise from decaying organic matter, poor sanitation, and other environmental factors.
* Astrological Influences: Many believed that celestial alignments or planetary positions could influence health and disease. They might attribute the plague to a particular comet, conjunction of planets, or other astronomical event.
* Divine Punishment: Religious interpretations often linked the plague to God's wrath, a punishment for sin, or a test of faith. This was particularly prevalent during the Black Death, as people sought explanations for such devastating suffering.
* Magic and Witchcraft: Some blamed the plague on witchcraft, sorcery, or evil spirits. They believed that malicious individuals could use magic to spread disease or cause misfortune.
* Animal Transmission: While they didn't fully understand the concept of disease vectors, people noticed the plague's correlation with rats and fleas. They might have believed that infected animals or their bites were responsible for spreading the illness.
Specific Beliefs About the Black Death:
* The "Great Mortality": This specific term, used in historical accounts, reflected the belief that the plague was a widespread, catastrophic event that would ultimately lead to death for many.
* The "Black Death": The name itself, likely stemming from the appearance of buboes, suggested that the plague was something dark, ominous, and potentially supernatural.
Important Note: While these beliefs lacked scientific basis, they reflected the social and cultural context of the time. It is crucial to understand that these were not simply "wrong" ideas, but rather attempts to explain complex phenomena based on the knowledge and understanding available at the time.