Mythology/Folklore

Various

Associated Holidays

Various

Location 

Various

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Mentions of ghosts go as far back as ancient Mesopotamia

Brief Bio

Even though the terms are often used interchangably, they are in fact used to describe different things.

In many cultures a ghost is often considered a restless, earthbound soul unaware it has died, while a spirit is typically a soul that has moved on to the afterlife and is aware of its existence. A ghost is seen as a "looped phenomenon" or a lingering presence that may repeat actions, while a spirit is thought to be a conscious entity that can choose to interact with the living. 

In other cultures a ghost is that of a once living mortal whereas a spirit is an entity that has always existed in the spiritual/afterlife/underworld realm.

The history of ghosts spans from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times, with early beliefs focusing on spirits of the dead who lingered due to improper burial or unfinished business. These early ghosts were often seen as harmful pests or vengeful entities, a concept explored in early literature like Homer's Odyssey and later in Roman tales of vengeful spirits and Greek plays. The medieval period saw ghosts associated with Christian beliefs like purgatory, while the Victorian era sparked a popular fascination with ghosts through séances and stories, leading to modern ghost hunting and media portrayals.

The history of ghosts and Halloween is deeply intertwined, with modern ghost stories rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where a thin veil between the living and the dead was believed to allow spirits to roam the earth. The tradition of ghost stories continued through Christian reframing of the holiday as All Hallows' Eve and grew through cultural practices like Victorian-era spirit photography and storytelling, which remain popular elements of modern Halloween celebrations.