What is a Poltergeist?

Poltergeists, also known as noisy ghosts or troublesome spirits, are paranormal entities that are said to make loud noises, move physical objects, and cause other disturbances. They have been reported in many cultures throughout history, and it is still a mysterious and frightening phenomenon today.

Origins

The first known accounts of poltergeist activity dates back to 1200 BC, with tales of unbidden numberless voices, flying stones, and mysterious knocking. In Ancient Greece and Rome, the phenomenon was attributed to the gods. The term “poltergeist” itself is German for “noisy ghost,” and the first recorded use of this term dates back to 1530. The term was brought into modern English by the scholar Reverend Joseph Glanvil in 1668.

signs of Activity

Poltergeist activity can take on many forms, from knocking, thumping, and a general sense of unease to objects being moved, rearranged or thrown across the room. Poltergeist activity is usually associated with an adolescent or young adult, often a teenage girl or boy going through puberty, although some cases of poltergeist activity have been reported in adults. Activity will often manifest when the person is present, and will typically stop temporarily or permanently when the person leaves the scene. It can also follow the person to new locations.

Theories

There are many theories as to what poltergeists actually are, with some attributing the activity to the energy of the living being responsible, while others suggest that poltergeists may be disembodied spirits of the deceased. Most theories are subjective, leading some to believe that the activities attributed to poltergeists may actually be natural events, pranks, or even hoaxes.

Conclusion

No matter what the cause, poltergeist activity has baffled and scared people for centuries. There have been many reports of the phenomena, and yet questions around the true nature of poltergeists remain. However, talk of poltergeists is still alive and well in the 21st Century, a testament to the enduring mystery of these noisy ghosts.