BOO… The Story On Ghosts

Did you see something..?

Ghosts have been a part of our culture, almost since the beginning of time.., dating all the way back to Mesopotamia (Iraq, Kuwait and some of Syria). Referred to as "Gidim" in Sumerian and were created at the time of death. It is said.., that if the family of the dead person did not make offerings to the dead -- to make being dead a little easier… The ghost would haunt them.., and bestow upon them misfortune and even illness.

The Babylonians believed that ghosts traveled to the Netherworld, where they were welcomed by a court.., this court assigned the ghost to there fate. And they also believed that the lack of goodies suffered by the ghost would result in there own suffering.

Even back at the beginning they were scary little devils…

And lets face it.., ghost are just that -- scary. If Casper the friendly ghost showed-up hovering above your bed in the middle of the night -- it would scare the bejesus out of you. But, from the earliest records of ghosts, it seems.., as long as you kept them happy -- it was all good!

"Spooked Boy Band Calls In Exorcist"

From ancient Egypt to Homer's Iliad and Shakespeare's Hamlet.., ghosts have been there to creep us out with their presence. And our fear of them is pretty natural… I mean, when a dead person is still hanging around the world, it is un-natural, to say the least. And there look -- that smokey, lofty composition we tend to give them.., is totally based on how we envision our spirits -- it's almost how your breathe looks on a cold day (spooky).

And some ghosts just wanted revenge -- justice.., for how badly they were treated while living. Others were condemned to walk this earth for their misdeeds. But most were just sent off to purgatory, for some extreme suffering. While the sighting of a ghost was considered a bad omen -- seeing one's own ghost, meant time to pick out a casket. It was the sign of death.

"Horny Ghost Haunts House"

In the early 1800's doctors tried to explain ghosts away as.., optical illusions or hallucinations… But believer's understood that the limits of human perception and acceptance of the unknown, were more likely… We have been in "awe" of these apparitions for centuries -- even the haunted houses that they tend to dwell in…

And they are worldwide!

Even though it is the time of year, for the spooky… Not all ghosts are supposed to be scary (but even those friendly ones make you jump). The ghost from the movie Ghost -- Demi Moore scared the crap out of Patrick Swayze. The ghosts in the "Field of Dreams" just wanted to play ball. But for the every "nice" ghost out there.., there seems to be 1000 more entities that just want to scare the hell out of you -- and do you harm!

And we have famous ghosts, too… We have all heard of "Bloody Mary" and if you haven't.., turn the lights off, go stand in front of a mirror -- staring into your own reflection, repeat her name out loud 3 times (and get ready to run). There's the "Bell Witch," the "Vanishing Hitch Hiker," the "Headless Nun in Canada," the "Slit-Mouthed Woman" in Japan, "Anne Boleyn" -- the wife of Henry VIII until decapitation, of course. "La Planchada" and "La Llorona." We've got the "Headless Horseman" and the "Ghost of Christmas Past."

They have become part of our lives -- our childhoods. Listening to a good "ghost story" sitting in front of a fire, in the middle of the woods, in the pitch dark -- what's better than that..? We have weaved their stories into the very fabric of our cultures.

"Stinky Ghost in my House of Hell"

Their stories have crept there way into our imaginations.., only to pop-up in the middle of the night, on a dark empty street. Or lying in bed, when we hear a strange noise. From the Amityville Horror to the Flying Dutchmen (a ship). They tap into that part of ourselves -- that wants to be scared.., that wants and craves that adrenaline rush. We tell them with such reverence.., and with a spooky voice, too. But show them respect because were afraid of them, too.

From Abraham Lincoln turning up in Philadelphia to Al Capone spooking anyone who chooses to disrespect his grave -- to the places they inhabit… We haves reveled in their creativity and awesomeness. Just the mention of their names can send a shiver down your spine.., and a sighting send us running for the hills.

I myself, have had a turn with someone from the "other side…" While closing up a bar on 54th St that was known to house the ghost of a former NYC showgirl, that was running a speakeasy during prohibition… I was behind the bar, I had already turned out all the lights and was using my lighter for light, when I felt an uncommon cool breeze.., didn't think much about it. A few seconds later, I sneezed… And from right behind me -- right behind me… I hear -- God Bless You (clear as day)… I didn't even think about turning around… I slammed the register shut, set the alarm.., and was outta' there in no time flat!

They've mesmerized us with their presence.., shaken us with their tone. But most of all, entertained us with their spirit -- good or bad. Boo…

Happy Halloween!

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