Throughout history, people have come up with all sorts of explanations for why spirits might take an interest in the living. Some believe certain objects can attract them, while others fear that harmless activities can pull something supernatural into your home. There is no scientific evidence that spirits can be summoned or attracted, but that hasn’t stopped these beliefs from existing. Here are eight creepy things that people believe can attract spirits, including a few you might be doing yourself.
Playing With Ouija Boards
No other object has earned the supernatural reputation of the Ouija board. It goes way back in history and was originally marketed as a parlor game in the late 19th century. All across America, people gathered around the boards in an attempt to open a doorway to other worlds. Interestingly, Mattel didn’t acquire the rights until 1991. According to paranormal folklore, the danger is attracting a spirit (or demon, so say the Catholics) that refuses to leave. Some manipulative spirits can pretend to be dead relatives to gain someone’s trust. Of course, science has a much less spooky, though equally fascinating, explanation for the board’s movements: the ideomotor effect.
Keeping Mirrors Facing Your Bed
Mirrors have been tied to paranormal beliefs for centuries, particularly when it comes to death and the afterlife. Mirrors were once covered after someone died, as family members worried that the dead person’s soul could get trapped inside the reflective surface. Modern paranormal advice warns against hanging mirrors directly across from beds. Because sleeping people are deemed especially vulnerable to supernatural activity, a mirror facing the bed can make it easier for spirits to approach.
Bringing Home Objects That Belonged to the Dead
Anyone who enjoys antique shopping has probably come across an object with a mysterious past. Some possessions are said to have an emotional connection to their former owners. This is especially true if those individuals experienced something traumatic. These are sometimes called haunted objects or, in some paranormal circles, objects with attachments. Bringing such an object into a home is believed to introduce an unwanted presence. Jewelry, dolls, furniture, and even clothing have all been at the center of alleged hauntings.
Whistling at Night
Whistling might seem like one of the least threatening activities imaginable, but certain folklore disagrees. In certain Native American cultures for example, whistling after dark is strongly discouraged. In parts of Japan, nighttime whistling is thought to attract snakes, thieves, or entities. The underlying belief is that making certain sounds after sunset can draw the attention of nefarious beings. Who would guess that a catchy tune could essentially invite evil into your life?
Leaving Empty Chairs in Dark Rooms
An empty chair is a common occurrence in houses everywhere and not threatening in the slightest, unless you believe that spirits are floating about looking for somewhere to sit. In some paranormal lore, empty chairs are invitations for unwanted visitors, especially in empty rooms. The idea is reminiscent of older customs about seats at the table being reserved for deceased relatives. However, those traditions involved welcoming those who had passed and did not involve fear.
Renovating an Old House
Anyone who has renovated an older home knows that the project can reveal some surprises. But beyond these odd discoveries, some say that the actual act of renovating can be harmful. Knocking down walls, removing old fixtures, or changing the layout of a house can disturb the spirits that already live there. After floating around for decades, ghosts understandably become attached to their surroundings and react poorly when their home is changed. There are plenty of stories of paranormal activity that starts right after a family moves into an old house and begins renovating the property.
Experiencing Intense Emotional or Sexual Energy
Some paranormal theories suggest that spirits are attracted to strong human emotions. These run the gamut and can include fear, deep sadness, anger, and even sexual excitement. The logic here is that the emotions produce energy that supernatural entities can feed on. This idea comes up in discussions of hauntings that intensify during emotionally charged periods. Modern accounts describe odd noises or other activity occurring shortly after sexual activity. Next time you’re staying in an old hotel, you might want to avoid any hanky-panky.
Speaking to Spirits Out Loud
Some people have spoken out loud to perceived spirits, whether jokingly or seriously. According to some paranormal beliefs, however, speaking to an unseen presence is quite risky, as it can encourage nearby spirits to answer back. Taking this concept a step further, ghost hunters warn against challenging spirits, inviting them to show themselves, or telling them it’s okay to stay in a home. The idea is that acknowledging an entity can strengthen its connection to a specific location, such as your new home.