Post by Spooky on Aug 27, 2007 12:40:32 GMT -5
Folklore the world over is filled with ways to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. Some charms are simple and quick while other are more elaborate.
Crossing one's self is a common charm to ward of ghosts and demons. Various gems and stones that are carried by a person will protect from ghosts. Salt carried in a pocket or strewn over a threshold will keep ghosts, evil spirits and witches at bay. Metals such as iron and silver are also effective.
An iron rod placed on a grave will prevent a ghost from rising out of the grave. An iron horseshoe hung above a doorway will prevent evil from entering a house or a building.
Iron nails taken from a tomb and driven into the threshold of a door will prevent nightmares.
Silver amulets and jewelry are also considered charms....with crucifixes being the main charm of this type. And religious symbol or good luck piece may replace the crucifix as long as the individual believes in it's protective powers.
In English lore, when a person dies, all door, cupboard and window locks must be undone and opened so that the soul can leave the house.
Corpses must be carried out of the house feet first, otherwise the spirit will return. Touching a corpse will prevent one from being haunted in their dreams by the ghosts of the dead. During the funeral, the furniture in the deceased bedroom should be rearranged so that if the spirit does come back, it will not recognize it's surroundings and will leave. And the funeral party should take a different route home, confusing the spirit and making it difficult to follow home.
Crossing one's self is a common charm to ward of ghosts and demons. Various gems and stones that are carried by a person will protect from ghosts. Salt carried in a pocket or strewn over a threshold will keep ghosts, evil spirits and witches at bay. Metals such as iron and silver are also effective.
An iron rod placed on a grave will prevent a ghost from rising out of the grave. An iron horseshoe hung above a doorway will prevent evil from entering a house or a building.
Iron nails taken from a tomb and driven into the threshold of a door will prevent nightmares.
Silver amulets and jewelry are also considered charms....with crucifixes being the main charm of this type. And religious symbol or good luck piece may replace the crucifix as long as the individual believes in it's protective powers.
In English lore, when a person dies, all door, cupboard and window locks must be undone and opened so that the soul can leave the house.
Corpses must be carried out of the house feet first, otherwise the spirit will return. Touching a corpse will prevent one from being haunted in their dreams by the ghosts of the dead. During the funeral, the furniture in the deceased bedroom should be rearranged so that if the spirit does come back, it will not recognize it's surroundings and will leave. And the funeral party should take a different route home, confusing the spirit and making it difficult to follow home.