Celebrity Haunted Homes
Q: I read where some old homes of now deceased celebrities are haunted by the former Hollywood sensations. The homes of Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Errol Flynn, Ozzie Nelson, Mary Pickford and Bugsy Seigel are on the top ten list of celebrity haunted homes. Do you think their spirits stay behind after the body has expired to watch over their former belongings or are they possibly seeking some kind of justice for actions taken against them while they were alive?
A: Just guessing, but Bugsy might have been rejected by afterlife bosses and went the way of jack-‘o-lantern.
Q: During Halloween, people from all over visit places they believe are haunted by some apparition or another. Recently, I learned that there were a cluster of buildings in Oklahoma that are alleged to be haunted. Oddly, three of the most noted haunted sights are theaters: the Constantine Theater, Spotlight Theater and Brady Theater. What’s up with that?
A: I didn’t know Oklahoma even had a noted theater district. Perhaps the one dead actor from there was seeking a curtain call time and time again.
Q: I understand Halloween is a mix of traditions of Celtic, Catholic and Roman religious rituals. I know that Celts would dress in costumes and light bonfires to ward off ghosts, thought to return on Halloween because the boundaries between the living and the dead blurred on All Hallows Eve, making it easier for ghosts and spirits to return to cause mischief. Where do the Romans and Catholics come in?
A: The Romans probably introduced the Trick or Treat custom, while the Catholics looked for any occasion to add candy. Can you say Easter Bunny?
Q: According to the National Confectioners Association, the word “witch” comes from the Old Saxon word “wica,” meaning “wise one.” Early known witches were dealers in medicinal herbs and charms and respected in their own communities. But superstitions were created and told of witches casting spells and making trouble for others. Settlers who arrived in America brought with them these superstitions. So, are there any bad witches that actually cast evil spells on people? Do you know of any such witches?
A: I seriously doubt that spell casting is more than a seldom practiced sport among some lonely and confused people. Based on the information you gave, I would have to say that Christine O’Donnell is definitely not a witch.
