The form of ghost known as an apparition is a passive vision of a person or animal which does not usually interact with the observer. Popular claims of apparitions are usually described as an entity, sighted repeatedly, performing some mundane action such as walking or sitting. Commonly, the apparition is interpreted as the spirit of a deceased person who was connected to the haunted location. However, in reports of what is known as a crisis apparition, a vision of a person known to the observer relays some information that he/she may be in trouble. Tales of apparitions are common to most cultures and are known from far back in human civilization. Currently, the most popular accounts of apparitions are highly publicized visions of the Virgin Mary.
Places prone to tales of apparitions often have long histories of emotional or violent incidents. Current parapsychology theories attribute apparitions to emotional energy somehow recorded in the environment that gets played back like a tape. They claim that the renovation of the structure releases this energy to be replayed. There is currently no substantiated evidence for this theory. Other theories are that the apparition is a telepathic projection, a window back in time, or a soul left searching for something on earth in order to pass into the next life. While there is no proof for any of these theories, explanations for at least some apparitions are very clear. Illusions and hallucinations happen frequently, especially in low light conditions, and are absolutely convincing to those who experience it. And, unfortunately, deliberate hoaxes also occur. Even if apparitions are not physical entities, they are a curious phenomenon of the human mind. |
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