Y¨±rei (ÓÄë‘, Y¨±rei?) are figures in Japanese folklore, analogous to Western legends of ghosts. The name consists of two kanji, ÓÄ (yuu), meaning “faint” or “dim” and ë‘ (rei), meaning “soul” or “spirit.” continue reading »

Popularity: 5%

A wraith is an apparition of a person, living or dead, that may appear shortly before or after death. The appearance of a wraith is often considered to be an omen. continue reading »

Popularity: 6%

Terminology: Will-o’-the-wisp
Definition: A mysterious light associated with spirits, found in various folklore tales
Signature: Soft and illusive light with no determinable source
Coined by: Folklore (Various)
AKA: Ignis fatuus
Status Folklore continue reading »

Popularity: 11%

The Walker House is located in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, which is in the southwestern corner of the state. Although it has been closed for many years, it is one of the oldest inns in the state, and is believed to be haunted. There are many reports of paranormal activity that have occurred inside of the Walker House, making it a part of regional folklore. continue reading »

Popularity: 6%

The vanishing hitchhiker (or phantom hitchhiker) is a reported phenomenon in which people travelling by vehicle meet with or are accompanied by a hitchhiker who subsequently vanishes without explanation, often from a moving vehicle. Vanishing hitchhikers have been reported for centuries and the story is found across the world, in many variants. continue reading »

Popularity: 7%

Union Cemetery in Easton, Connecticut, which dates back to the 1600s, is touted as one of the most haunted cemeteries not only in Connecticut, but in the entire United States. Connecticut demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren have even written a book about the cemetery entitled Graveyard. continue reading »

Popularity: 7%

Ubume (ŽY—, Ubume? childbirth woman), a type of yokai or bakemono (Japanese ghosts), are the spirits of women who have either died in childbirth, or died without making sure that their children have been provided for. Ubume address a common concern in Japan; continue reading »

Popularity: 5%

Tsukumogami (¸¶†ÊÉñ, Tsukumogami? artifact spirit) are a type of Japanese spirit. According to the Tsukumogami-emaki, tsukumogami originate from items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and thus become alive and aware. Any object of this age, from swords to toys, can become a tsukumogami. Tsukumogami are considered spirits and supernatural beings, as opposed to enchanted items. continue reading »

Popularity: 6%