What are the origins of some famous female ghost stories?

The Bloody Mary story has various origins. Some believe it started as a superstition about a woman named Mary who was either a witch or a victim of a cruel death. People would say her name three times in a mirror to summon her. It might also have roots in old pagan rituals related to divination using mirrors.

For the haunted hospital, it could be due to the fact that hospitals are places where life and death occur frequently. When the hospital was abandoned, the memories and perhaps some unexplained events during its operation made people start to believe it was haunted. People's fear of the unknown and the morbidity associated with hospitals contribute to the creation and spread of these ghost stories.

Take the Ghost of Borley Rectory. It was known as the most haunted house in England. The stories started with strange noises, apparitions seen by the residents, and objects moving on their own. The pictures that emerged were often blurry, but some claimed they showed ghosts. It all began with the various people who lived there over the years reporting these strange happenings.

In Norse mythology, there is the story of the creation of the world from the body of the giant Ymir. Odin and his brothers kill Ymir and use his body parts to create the world, which is a very interesting ancient origins story full of vivid and wild imagery.

Some cow ghost stories might originate from the strong cultural and emotional connection people have with cows. In some cultures, cows are sacred. So, when something unusual happens around them, like a sudden illness or strange behavior, people might attribute it to a supernatural cause, leading to the creation of ghost stories.

Many Sligo ghost stories have their roots in local history. For example, stories of ghosts in old buildings might be related to tragedies that occurred there in the past, like a building that was the site of a murder or a deadly accident.

Many Alberta ghost stories have their origins in tragic events. For example, the stories in the old hotels often come from deaths that occurred on the premises, like the bride at the Banff Springs Hotel. The deaths were so sudden and tragic that it's believed the spirits remained. Some stories from mines might be due to the dangerous working conditions back then, and the miners' deaths were so numerous that their presence is still felt.

For the Phantom Piper, it may have started as a cautionary tale. In the past, the moors around Inverness were dangerous places. The story of the lost piper could have been told to warn people about getting lost in the fog. As time passed, it took on a more supernatural aspect.

Many German ghost stories have their roots in local history and superstition. For example, stories about haunted castles might be related to the violent or tragic events that took place there in the past. When people died in cruel ways, like in battles or by murder, their restless spirits were thought to remain. The White Lady stories often tie into the history of noble families and their misfortunes.

Religious beliefs also play a part in the origins of Midwestern ghost stories. In the past, some religious teachings about the afterlife and the existence of spirits could have inspired people to create or believe in ghost stories. For example, the idea of purgatory in some Christian beliefs might have led to stories of restless spirits in Midwestern areas. Additionally, superstitions passed down through generations within families and communities contributed to the growth of these stories. People would tell their children about haunted places as a way to warn them or just to pass on local lore.