Why Aren't Ghosts Naked?
Does Clothing Have an Afterlife, Too?
Let's pretend for just a moment that the human body does have some sort of energy field which continues on after all bodily functions cease. For argument's sake, let's say that, hypothetically, ghosts and hauntings, and other paranormal phenomena are real. For this discussion, we'll allow for the possibility of a conscious mind to continue on after life has ended. There seem to be two schools of thought on ghosts:
Ghost possibility number one: Unfinished business. One of the more popular beliefs about ghosts is they remain within the physical realm due to some sort of unfinished business in their lives. This presumption is the one upon which some really popular movies and books are based. Murder victims, those who die too young, or who might have some sort of special message fall into this category.
Even if this were a possibility, however rare, how do these ghosts appear fully dressed? Were their socks murdered? Did their underwear, or the cotton from which they're made, die too young? Do those polyester slacks have some important message to share? It just doesn't seem logical, in any stretch of the imagination, someone's leather jacket would haunt us without the rest of the cow-ghost, too. (Cow ghosts? Let's not go there. McDonald's alone would have us swarming with cow ghosts. That's a whole 'nother topic.)
Ghost possibility number two: Residual energy signatures. Of all the scenarios, this one fools most people, because it sounds "sorta scientific." The proponents of this school of thought (non-thought) on ghostly apparitions is that living beings have some sort of residual energy pattern, which is left behind after death. This "energy" is somehow "recorded" into either their home, place of employment, or favorite tavern.
Okay, let's examine this. Pretend that it makes sense to leave behind some sort of energy pattern after you die, if you like. Does your favorite hat also have that same energy pattern? And, if it does, why aren't there plant/vegetation ghosts? If old Uncle Herman left behind some sort of residual energy pattern on this world, why aren't those who claim to see his ghost also complaining about his flab, wrinkles, and dimpled, old butt? How would clothing come along for the haunting?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome below (and you can even comment anonymously). Let's talk about this, and see where it goes. What we'll learn about ghosts and hauntings will pale in comparison, to what we're bound to learn about ourselves. Won't someone please explain why ghosts aren't naked?
Source:
Personal opinions, and the following dissenting opinions:
YourGhostStories.com "Resolving Ghosts' Unfinished Business"
House Kheperu "Energy Imprints and Constructs"
A hat-tip to JL Lester, fellow writer and wonderful friend
Published by Donald Pennington - Featured Contributor in Politics
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27 Comments
Post a CommentI think the answer is pretty simple. People visualize themselves with clothes, and that's the image they project (after all, in the usual physical sense, there's nothing there to see). That's why ghosts are of a younger age than when they died...it's their mental self-image.
Ha! Love this! You make excellent points. I do believe in the paranormal to a certain extent. I think the truest ghosts are the ones that never show themselves but simply make things move etc, or the ones that only appear as blurred apparitions. Cuz indeed, if they residual energy or souls, as long as they are not within their body, they shouldn't necessarily appear in body form. Our bodies are shells. When your soul leaves that shell it's in its pure form - which we really don't know what that is. (Yes my fictional writing talks of ghosts in the typical manner, but logically I believe in what I say here)
This is funny! Yet in some bizarre way it makes sense. It reminded me of wondering where all the people come from in my dreams that I have never met. They usually aren't naked though...
Great thought Don! I do however believe in the paranormal because the scientific evidence is pretty compelling unless it's being faked, and I doubt it is faked. I've seen things move with no person anywhere near them so unless it's faked, what is moving things that a camera films? That is not one's eyes playing tricks on them. Generically, before I began being interested in this, I didn't believe either. Now I have to admit unless faked there are indeed entities we cannot see. Creepy, huh?
Why aren't ghosts naked ?.... hmmm... because if they were, we would laugh at them, instead of being afraid of them.
P.S.... @ Nancy, i miss seeing you at the PO. i hope you are well.
well first off there are no such things as ghosts. Any residual energy will be what ever ambient radiation exists which will decay or dissipate as the body does. That energy will most likely stay with the body or inhabit (albeit very very briefly) the area where the person died. the only reason ghost are clothed is we are conditioned to think this because even in early films and artwork artists (perhaps prudishly) couldn't imagine an earth loaded down with all those naked spirits. You will note however that heaven and hell seem to be clothing optional, as most artistic representations show these imaginary places inhabited by naked spirits. Of course there are those whose vision seems to include some sort of supernatural processing depot much like boot camp or prison where spirits are issued white robes or tattered rags
I love the title and your article makes total sense to me. Great one! : )
I dunno.. I always thought that's what the sheets were about... lol
Donald a great and deep subject here - I am not so sure that the ghosts I have encountered were really clothed or not. Perhaps I just imagined the clothing so as to keep them modest in my mind ;)
I hope I die with cute clothes on.