Introduction
The Ouija board is a mysterious game that has been around for centuries, but what do we really know about it? This article will explore the unique history of the Ouija board, from its mysterious origins to its controversial cultural impact. We will examine who invented the Ouija board, how it has changed over time, and its influence in popular culture.
Inventor of the Ouija Board: A Closer Look
The exact origin of the Ouija board is unknown, but many believe that it was invented in the late 19th century by Charles Kennard and Elijah Bond. Kennard was a businessman from Baltimore, Maryland and Bond was a lawyer from Annapolis, Maryland. They both had an interest in spiritualism and wanted to create a tool that would allow them to communicate with the spirit world.
Kennard and Bond filed a patent for their device in 1891. The patent described the device as “a game called ‘Ouija’ or ‘Mystic Writing-Board’.” The patent also described how the device worked: “the board is divided into sections bearing the letters of the alphabet, the figures from one to nine, and the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ in the center.”
How the Ouija Board Changed Over Time
Early versions of the Ouija board were made of wood and had a planchette (a small heart-shaped piece of wood) that moved around the board. Over time, the design and functionality of the Ouija board changed. In 1966, Parker Brothers bought the rights to the Ouija board and began producing plastic versions of the board. The modern version of the Ouija board still contains the same letters, numbers, and words as the original version.
Exploring the Ouija Board’s Mysterious Origins
Despite the official patent filed by Kennard and Bond, there are still some mysteries surrounding the origin of the Ouija board. Some believe that the Ouija board was created by the ancient Chinese as a form of divination. Others believe that the board was adapted from a similar game known as the Talking Board, which was popular among the Native American tribes of the Great Plains.
Another popular belief is that the Ouija board is a tool used by spirits to communicate with the living. According to a study conducted by psychologist Dr. Victor Zuckerman, 80% of people who have used a Ouija board believe that the board is a way to contact the spirit world. However, most scientists do not believe this to be true.
The Unusual History of the Ouija Board
The history of the Ouija board has been marked by controversy. In the early 1900s, it was believed that the board could be used to summon evil spirits and demons. As a result, many religious organizations and governments attempted to ban the use of Ouija boards. In the United States, the state of Arkansas even passed a law banning the use of Ouija boards in 1923.
In addition, there have been several legal challenges to the ownership of the Ouija board. In the 1970s, Hasbro (the current owner of the Ouija board) was sued by two inventors who claimed that they had come up with the idea for the board before Kennard and Bond. The case was eventually dismissed, but it highlighted the fact that the origin of the Ouija board is still unclear.
The Cultural Impact of the Ouija Board
Despite its controversial past, the Ouija board has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The board has been featured in books, movies, television shows, and video games. For example, the 1984 horror film “The Exorcist” features a scene in which a young girl uses a Ouija board to contact the demon Pazuzu. The board has also been referenced in the hit TV show “Stranger Things” and is a key plot point in the game “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
The Ouija board has also had an impact on religion. Many Christian denominations view the board as a tool of Satan and warn against its use. Other religions, such as Wicca, view the board as a way to connect with the spirit world and use it as part of their rituals.
Conclusion
The Ouija board has a long and mysterious history that spans centuries. Despite its controversial past, the board has had a lasting impact on popular culture and religion. From its mysterious origins to its influence in pop culture, the Ouija board continues to fascinate people all over the world.
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