Legend and History of the Pop Ghost
Beliefs and Faith › Legend and History of the Pop Ghost
Pop Ghost (Pop) is one of the most famous folk spirits in Thailand, especially in the northeastern and northern regions. Thais believe that Pop is a wandering spirit or malevolent spirit that inhabits a human body and exhibits the behavior of eating the internal organs of humans or animals as food for survival.
Characteristics of the Pop Ghost
The Pop appears like an ordinary person during the day but at night or when extremely hungry, its spirit leaves the body to seek prey. The Pop craves liver, kidneys, intestines, and stomach of humans or small animals. Some legends say the Pop can possess other bodies and propagate itself through "ritual transmission."
Origins of the Pop Ghost
Black Magic Misconduct
It is said that some people studied black magic or sorcery but, upon violating their oath to their masters, their magical powers turned into "Pop." The Pop spirit would then inhabit the violator’s body and continue to exist through generations.
Greed
Another tale says that those who were excessively greedy for magical objects or power, and violated the cosmic law, were cursed to become Pop ghosts forever.
Past Life Karma
Another belief holds that those who had killed many living beings or severely harmed others in previous lives would be reborn to suffer as Pop ghosts.
Detecting and Banishing the Pop Ghost
In ancient Thai society, several methods were used to "detect" a Pop, such as:
- Using sorcery rituals, such as spirit possession ceremonies
- Consulting a shaman or local healer (folk doctor)
- Observing symptoms, for example, someone who was abnormally thin despite eating normally might be suspected as a Pop
- In some rituals, "Khan 5" offerings were prepared or Buddhist mantras were used to expel the Pop spirit
Belief in the Pop Ghost Today
Even though Thai society has advanced scientifically, many rural areas still hold beliefs about the Pop. Today, there are still news reports about "Pop villages," including stories of exorcisms and rituals performed by shamans to drive out Pops, conducted to ease the minds of communities despite lacking scientific evidence.
In Summary: The Pop Ghost
Pop Ghost reflects ancient societal fears regarding the supernatural and moral transgressions.
Even today, though considered folklore, Pop remains deeply embedded in Thai beliefs, way of life, and local culture.
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