Dr. Irving Finkel, an expert in Ancient Mesopotamian cultures and author of "The First Ghosts," shares ancient ghost stories and personal encounters that challenge skepticism. Dr. Hetta Howes, who studies medieval women in literature, reflects on the cultural importance of ghost narratives. Philosopher Simon Critchley discusses how music can evoke ecstatic experiences, while Dr. Chris Harding examines Japan’s relationship with death and memory. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of ghosts, mysticism, and the emotional landscapes we navigate, especially around Halloween.
The podcast highlights the universal interest in ghosts across cultures, recognizing their deep emotional significance and connection to human experiences.
Guests shared personal ghost encounters that underscore how these supernatural experiences reflect unresolved emotions and familial connections to the deceased.
Cultural interpretations of ghosts vary widely, with Eastern traditions viewing them as protective ancestors while medieval tales often depict souls seeking aid from the living.
Deep dives
Exploring Ancient Ghosts
The connection between ancient cultures and ghost stories is highlighted, focusing on the earliest known accounts from Mesopotamia. A key guest, Irving Finkel, shares insights from his work on ancient ghost literature, emphasizing that many people recount personal experiences with the supernatural, reflecting a universal interest across different cultures. Finkel argues that this belief in ghosts was once commonplace, asserting that our modern skepticism is a recent development. He presents his unique stance: while he hasn't seen a ghost himself, he acknowledges the experiences of others, suggesting that ghosts play a role in the collective human consciousness.
Personal Encounters with the Supernatural
Guests share personal anecdotes of their own encounters with ghosts, illustrating that such experiences often carry deep emotional significance. Heta Howes recounts a chilling experience during her childhood in Rome, where she felt an unsettling presence in her room, which she later connected to nearby burial grounds. Meanwhile, philosopher Simon Critchley discusses familial ghosts, revealing how he and his mother both sensed the presence of her deceased father after his passing. This theme suggests that ghosts may serve as manifestations of unresolved emotions or connections to those we have lost.
Cultural Variations in Ghost Beliefs
The discussion expands to examine how different cultures interpret ghosts and their significance. Chris Harding highlights the emergence of new ghost stories in Japan following recent disasters, illustrating how collective trauma can birth unique supernatural narratives. These stories often involve apparitions that retain characteristics of their lives, indicating a deeper connection to unresolved issues and emotions. This cultural lens showcases how beliefs about ghosts serve not only as a reflection of individual experiences but also as a representation of societal memory and grief.
Theological Perspectives on Ghosts
The guests engage in a rich dialogue regarding the theological implications of ghosts throughout history. Howes discusses how medieval European ghost stories often involve souls trapped in purgatory, seeking aid from the living to ascend. Critchley adds that in many Eastern cultures, ghosts serve as protective ancestors rather than vengeful spirits, indicating a nuanced understanding of the afterlife. This contrast highlights the conditional nature of ghosts, as their narratives can be shaped by cultural beliefs surrounding life, death, and morality.
Ghosts in Literature and Their Lessons
Literature's treatment of ghosts is explored as a reflective medium, with emphasis on their role in imparting lessons and addressing human flaws. Critchley notes that many ghost stories, such as those in Shakespeare and Arthurian legends, serve to caution against moral transgressions, utilizing ghosts as agents of awareness for the living. This literary device reveals how ghosts can symbolize unfinished business or societal values, teaching characters—and by extension, readers—a profound lesson about life choices and consequences. The conversation underscores the enduring impact of ghost narratives in shaping cultural and ethical discussions.
With Day of the Dead, Halloween and All Souls Day being marked in different countries around the world - Shahidha Bari's guests discuss the belief in ghosts and the search for meaning in mysticism. They are:
Dr Chris Harding is a cultural historian of Japan, India and East-West connections and is based at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of The Japanese and Japan Story.
Dr Hetta Howes is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature at City, University of London and Deputy Programme Director for the BA in English. She is a BBC Radio 3 and 4 New Generation Thinker and the author of a new book “Poet Mystic Widow Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women.”
Simon Critchley is a philosopher and the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York, USA. His latest book is On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy.
Dr Iriving Finkel is Assistant Keeper of Ancient Mesopotamian script, languages and cultures in the Department of the Middle East at the British Museum and has published The First Ghosts: A rich history of ancient ghosts and ghost stories
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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