A disembodied spirit or soul, usually supposed to haunt the living as a pale or shadowy vision. In many cultures, the ghosts of ancestors are seen as venerable, but in others they are feared. Ghosts appear in a wide range of mythologies and folktales. They are sometimes portrayed as nebulous likenesses, or even in other forms such as animals.
The belief that a ghost may haunt the living originated with ancient beliefs that a person’s soul could remain separable from the body after death. It was also believed that ghosts might be prevented from appearing by proper burial or other ritual. The Child Ballad “Sweet William’s Ghost” reflects a common belief that the ghosts of deceased lovers would haunt the living if they took up with new partners without some formal release from their original love.
Modern society has largely debunked the concept of ghosts, but many people continue to believe in them. They may be influenced by their personal experiences, or they may simply be more open to mystical ideas. It’s also possible that humans tend to weave things into stories, a behavior known as apophenia.
Some people see ghosts in old buildings, and they are often able to tell who the apparition is, or what they were doing when they were alive. In addition, some people think that loved ones who have died may show up in the form of a ghost, providing them with comfort and connection.