A History of the Ouija Board

Have you ever felt the spine-tingling chill of a Ouija board session? The anticipation as the planchette moves, seemingly on its own, spelling out cryptic messages? If you have, you’re not alone. Ouija boards have amused and terrified people for over a century. Let’s delve into their history, cultural impact, and modern-day use of Ouija boards.

The Origins

Where did it all start?

The origins of the Ouija board date back to the late 19th century. Spiritualism, a belief that the dead can communicate with the living, was flourishing. People were fascinated with contacting the other side. During this era, the Ouija board emerged as a tool for communication with spirits.

But who invented it?

In 1890, Elijah Bond, a businessman, patented the Ouija board. Originally marketed as a parlor game, it promised to answer questions “about the past, present, and future with marvelous accuracy.” Yet, it was more than just a game. Its eerie ability to spell out messages soon led to its reputation as a portal to the spirit world. Looking at the word it would seem it is  from the French oui/yes and the German ja/yes. But legend says the Board was asked to name itself and it spelt out ouija and when asked what that meant the board replied, ‘good luck’.

Talking or spirit boards have been mention as far back as 420 BC during the Lui Song Dynasty in China and some form of spirit board has continued to evolve. The commercial push for the board came from The Kennard Novelty Company who tried to patent their board as a toy or game in 1891. A change of ownership and a change of buisness name to the Ouija novelty co. saw the oiuja board grow in popularity into the 1920s. Parker bros acquired Ouija in 1986 and the board continued to have high sales. Parker(Tonka) then onsold to Hasbro in 1991. Interesting tidbit: The movies Ouija  & Ouija: origin of evil were made under the production companies Platinum Dunes, Blumhouse Productions and Hasbro Studios. Talk about keeping an eye on your product.

A Parlor Game or a Spiritual Tool?

Why did it become so popular?

The Ouija board’s popularity soared in the early 20th century. It was affordable, easy to use, and didn’t require a medium to operate. This accessibility made it a household item, perfect for gatherings and parties.

Was it taken seriously?

While some viewed it as mere entertainment, others believed in its power to communicate with spirits. The board’s dual identity as both a game and a serious spiritual tool contributed to its widespread appeal.

Cultural Impact: From the Victorian Era to Modern Times

How did it influence culture?

The Ouija board’s influence extended beyond living rooms and parlors. It infiltrated popular culture, literature, and even cinema. Its mysterious allure inspired countless stories and films, cementing its place in the cultural imagination.

Victorian Fascination

In the Victorian era, spiritualism was more than a fad. It was a movement that influenced art, literature, and daily life. The Ouija board became a symbol of this era’s fascination with the afterlife and the supernatural.

20th Century: The Rise of Horror

The 20th century saw the Ouija board’s transition from a parlor game to a staple in horror fiction and films. Movies like “The Exorcist” (1973) depicted the board as a dangerous tool that could summon evil spirits. This portrayal reinforced its association with the supernatural and the unknown.

Modern Times: A Resurgence in Interest

In recent years, the Ouija board has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Its presence in horror films, TV shows, and online communities has rekindled interest. People are once again intrigued by the possibility of communicating with the other side.

The Mechanics: How Does It Work?

What makes the planchette move?

The planchette’s movement is often attributed to the ideomotor effect, a psychological phenomenon where individuals make motions unconsciously. While participants may believe spirits are guiding the planchette, it’s often their own subconscious movements.

Skeptics vs. Believers

Skeptics argue that the Ouija board is nothing more than a psychological trick. Believers, however, are convinced of its supernatural capabilities. This ongoing debate adds to the board’s mystique.

Famous Ouija Board Stories: Legends and Lore

What are some famous stories?

The Ouija board’s history is filled with intriguing and eerie tales. Here are a few notable ones:

Pearl Curran and Patience Worth

In the early 20th century, Pearl Curran claimed to channel a spirit named Patience Worth through her Ouija board. Patience, purportedly a 17th-century Englishwoman, dictated poems and novels through Curran. This case fascinated both skeptics and believers.

The Case of Emily Grant Hutchings

Emily Grant Hutchings asserted that she received a novel through her Ouija board, dictated by the spirit of Mark Twain. The resulting book, “Jap Herron,” published in 1917, was met with skepticism and legal challenges from Twain’s estate.

The Exorcist: Fact or Fiction?

“The Exorcist,” one of the most famous horror films, is said to be inspired by a real-life case involving a Ouija board. In the late 1940s, a young boy’s alleged possession and subsequent exorcism were linked to his use of the board. This story fueled the perception of the Ouija board as a dangerous tool.

Modern-Day Usage: From Parlor Game to Paranormal Tool

How is the Ouija board used today?

Today, the Ouija board is used in various contexts, from casual entertainment to serious paranormal investigations. Its dual identity persists, making it a versatile and intriguing tool.

Casual Use

Many people use the Ouija board at parties and gatherings, treating it as a fun and spooky activity. The thrill of possibly communicating with the unknown adds excitement to social events.

Paranormal Investigations

Some paranormal investigators use Ouija boards in their research. They believe the board can facilitate communication with spirits and provide insights into the afterlife. However, the board’s reliability and safety are subjects of debate within the paranormal community.

Controversies and Warnings: Proceed with Caution

Is it safe to use a Ouija board?

The safety of using a Ouija board is a contentious issue. While many people use it without incident, others report negative experiences. This may be more a lingering psychological effect based on fear, but would you want to mess around and find out?

Psychological Effects

Some users report feeling disturbed or anxious after using a Ouija board. The power of suggestion and the ideomotor effect can lead to unsettling experiences, even if no supernatural events occur.

Spiritual Warnings

Many spiritual and religious groups warn against using Ouija boards. They believe the board can open a gateway to malevolent spirits or demons. This belief is particularly prevalent in Christianity, where the board is often associated with occult practices.

The Future of the Ouija Board

Will the Ouija board remain popular?

Given its long history and continued interest, it seems likely that the Ouija board will continue hold people’s fascination for years to come. Its blend of mystery, suspense, and the possibility of the supernatural keeps its place in our cultural consciousness.

Ever Evolving Perceptions

As our understanding of psychology and the paranormal evolves, so too will our perception of the Ouija board. Whether viewed as a harmless game or a serious spiritual tool.

In closing

The Ouija board, has a  rich history and cultural impact, it remains an intriguing artifact of the supernatural. Whether you approach it with skepticism or belief, there’s no denying its place in our collective imagination.

From its mysterious origins in the late 19th century spiritualism to its modern-day resurgence, the Ouija board continues to terrify. Its ability to blur the lines between the psychological and the supernatural means it will likely remain a topic of fascination for generations to come.

Curious about trying a Ouija board yourself? Remember to approach with caution and respect. The mysteries of the Ouija board are not to be taken lightly. Who knows what messages might come through when you ask, “Is anybody there?”