The darkness is a big factor. Doing the 'Bloody Mary' thing in a pitch - black bathroom makes it scarier. Also, the idea of an unknown, probably angry spirit appearing is terrifying. Just the thought of looking into the mirror and seeing something that shouldn't be there is really creepy.
The mystery around it. We don't really know who Bloody Mary is supposed to be exactly. It could be anyone from a wronged woman to a witch. And the idea that just by saying her name in a specific place (the bathroom) and in the dark, something terrifying might happen.
The mystery. For 'Bloody Mary', not knowing if the ritual will actually summon something is scary. In other stories too, the unknown elements are frightening. Like in a haunted house story, we don't know what's making those noises.
The historical context can be a frightening element. Lincoln's time was filled with great turmoil, like the Civil War. So a scary story might use the backdrop of war, death, and the uncertainty of the nation's future. For example, if it involves a soldier who had a premonition related to Lincoln and something terrifying ensued.
The bloody hand is scary because it represents violence and danger. It's a visual reminder of something bad that has happened or is about to happen. It also creates a sense of mystery, as we wonder about the story behind it. Maybe it was a victim of a brutal crime, or it could be a sign from the afterlife. All these uncertainties add to the fear factor.
The unknown is a big factor. For example, in stories about old, uncharted places in Panama like forgotten ruins or deep jungles, we don't know what's really there. Also, the idea of angry spirits, like in stories of cursed places where spirits are said to be seeking revenge for past wrongs. Another element is the isolation. Panama has many remote areas, and when a scary event is set in these isolated spots, it gives a feeling of being alone and helpless against the unknown horror.
The unknown is a big factor. For example, in a true story where people hear strange noises at night but don't know what's causing them. It could be anything from a wild animal to something supernatural, and that uncertainty is terrifying.
The mystery. In many Russian experiment stories, there's a lack of clear information. For example, in the Dyatlov Pass incident, no one really knows for sure what happened. This uncertainty makes it scary. People's imagination fills in the blanks with all kinds of terrifying possibilities.
The settings in the Alma story are often very spooky. Like old houses, abandoned buildings, or dark forests. These places already have an air of unease and danger, which adds to the scariness. Also, the things that happen to Alma, like seeing strange figures, being trapped, or getting lost, are common fears that people have. When we read about Alma experiencing these things, it makes us feel scared as if it could happen to us too. Another thing is the feeling of being watched that Alma often has, which gives a sense of paranoia that is very frightening.
One element is the idea of being violated while unconscious. It's a huge fear for people to think that someone can do such a serious and permanent harm to their body without their knowledge. Another is the unexpectedness. It could happen to anyone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, like when traveling or at a party.
The Bloody Mary story likely has a complex origin. There are links to historical figures like Queen Mary I of England, whose violent actions against Protestants during her reign may have inspired the 'bloody' aspect. However, it also seems to draw on more general superstitions about mirrors and the spirit world. In many cultures, mirrors were seen as portals to other realms. So the idea of summoning a spooky entity by repeating a name in front of a mirror could be a combination of these cultural beliefs. Over time, different versions of the story spread, each with its own twists and interpretations, until we have the Bloody Mary full scary story we know today.