Although the trend of ghost hunting only seems to have gained popularity in more modern times, the phenomena of ghosts, as well as the belief in their existence has been around since ancient times. Just like the belief in a higher power, the details may vary from culture to culture, but across all of them one thing remains consistent—the existence of a realm where the human … [Read more...] about Ghosts of the Ancient World
horror
Ghost, Demon, or Poltergeist?
Photography by MontyLov Haunted by Ghosts As was discussed in our article Ghosts Can Be More Than Just Dead People, ghosts are generally the spirits of humans and animals that have passed away. What people assume or claim are ghosts are not necessarily fitting of their description, but it’s easy to understand why the whole thing might be a little bit confusing. The truth … [Read more...] about Ghost, Demon, or Poltergeist?
Hoodoo, Horror, and The Skeleton Key
A tragically underrated Southern Gothic style horror movie, The Skeleton Key (2005) has been given a bum reputation; a movie that is often overlooked movie within the horror genre, it's actually worth watching at least once. Caroline Ellis (Kate Hudson) is a confident, yet sweet-natured hospice nurse living in New Orleans who grows frustrated with the general lack of compassion … [Read more...] about Hoodoo, Horror, and The Skeleton Key
Unknown Origins of the Ouija Board: From the Civil War to The Exorcist
Photo by Josh Olalde Horror Culture Photo by Daniel Jensen Most of popular horror culture will convince the easily misled that talking boards, specifically Ouija boards, are tools of evil. Movies like The Exorcist (1973) and Witchboard (1986) have painted a fairly devious portrait of talking boards, which previously held a sociable reputation. Prior to its debut in … [Read more...] about Unknown Origins of the Ouija Board: From the Civil War to The Exorcist
The Qalupalik: Monsters of the Deep
Folklore of the Inuit Siren Photography by Li Yang In Alaskan Inuit culture, there are ocean-dwelling creatures known as Qalupaliit (kah-loo-pah-leet)—they are the Arctic version of the mermaid or siren. Unlike the popular mermaid princess culture that surrounds much of the lore of this aquatic creature, the Qalupalik (kah-loo-pah-leek) is not a beautiful half-fish, … [Read more...] about The Qalupalik: Monsters of the Deep