Stuff You Should Know

Short Stuff: Bloody Mary

Oct 20, 2021
Dive into the spooky lore of Bloody Mary, a spine-chilling children's game steeped in folklore. Discover how this legend has evolved and its links to historical figures and cultural significance. The discussion blends humor with history, illuminating the game's eerie rituals and societal themes, especially around rites of passage. Explore the psychological aspects and variations of summoning this ghostly figure. It's a captivating exploration that reveals why some still dare to call her name!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Bloody Mary Ritual

  • Bloody Mary is a scary game often played by girls, involving chanting in front of a mirror.
  • The ritual supposedly conjures Bloody Mary, who may harm or kill the participant.
INSIGHT

Bloody Mary as Folklore

  • Bloody Mary is not just a game; it's considered American folklore due to its evolving legends and regional variations.
  • Folklorist Janet Langlois was the first to document the Bloody Mary legend.
INSIGHT

Bloody Mary Name Variations

  • The name "Bloody Mary" has regional variations.
  • Some include "Hell Mary," "Mary Worth," and "Black Agnes."
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app