Introduction
We have all been through the innocent childhood phase of entrancing our friends with spooky stories and make-believe tales of spiritual activity. The stores sell ouija boards is one such popular board game horror fans love to meddle with.
Whether you wish to buy it online or at a store, there are quite a few options available for you to find your own ouija board. It has become a household game since its invention and it would not be odd to consider it a fun board game at your annual Halloween parties. Keep reading to learn about the history of the mystical ouija board and how it was invented!
Where Can You Buy An Ouija Board?
“Ouija” is a trademark of Hasbro (Hassenfeld Brothers) but other talking boards could also be referred to as ouija boards.
Online:
In store:
WalmartTargetBarnes & Noble
How Did It Come Into Existence?
There were many talking boards or spiritual boards that preceded the ouija board. The now popular ouija board was developed by Elijah Bond in 1890, who was a businessman. It was introduced as a commercial product.
With the rise of the spiritualist movement in the background, the ouija board gained popularity among believers. During this period, the Civil War dawned upon the United States.
Numerous deaths led to relatives resorting to such spirit boards to communicate with their deceased loved ones.
The Ouija Board: What’s with the Name?
The word “ouija” does not have a direct meaning or origin in any language as much as people would like to believe. It is a unique name indeed. According to a myth, it was a word spelled out on the board by a spirit when asked what to name it.
This apparently took place during a session conducted by Helen Peters, the sister-in-law of Elijah Bond, who had a reputation as a medium. The letters and journals date to April 25, 1890, when the session took place in Baltimore between Helen and the developers of the board.
Portrayal In Media:
The ouija board was not looked upon as a one way ticket to hell in popular media until The Exorcist was released in 1973. This film rewired the conception the general public had about the famous board game.
Following the lead, it became a trope for horror movies to use the ouija board in the most devilish, supernatural way. The boards still continued to sell in thousands but the reasons had now changed from spirituality to spookiness and danger. It was not a harmless communicating device anymore.
Structure Of The Board:
An ouija board is a flat board usually made out of cardboard (previously wood). The English alphabet, numbers 0-9, the words “yes” and “no”, and occasionally ” hello” and “goodbye” are engraved on this board.
The alphabets are placed in an arc. It also has various symbols and graphics like the sun and the moon.
Another necessary addition to the ouija board is a planchette; a triangular or heart-shaped piece of plastic with a see-through gap in the centre.
How To Use An Ouija Board?
Get players. A single person can play the game, but the more the merrier. All players must place their pointer fingers on the planchette, which could be placed on the letter G as a beginner. Be sure you aren’t using too much force or pressing down on the planchette. Start the game with a ritual such as saying a prayer. Ask any questions you wish to ask. If you want to talk to the spirit of a relative or someone you know, keep one of their personal belongings next to the board. The planchette may or may not move and spell out words answering your questions. You want to be sure that nobody among the players is purposely or unknowingly moving it. To finish the game move the planchette to GOODBYE. Doing this is important because it closes the window into the spirit world opened by you.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, ouija boards are not gateways to demonic possession. There are scientific explanations for why the planchette may move and any stories you might have heard or read over the internet are most likely exaggerations. You do not have to worry about a demon taking over your soul and can proceed to have a little harmless fun with your friends!
How old do you have to be to use an ouija board?
An ouija board can be used by children 8 and above. It is deemed a family game.
Does Best Buy sell ouija boards?
Yes, Best Buy does sell the Hasbro ouija board.
Is ouija a word?
Yes, ouija is a valid Scrabble word.
How old is the oldest ouija board?
The oldest ouija board existed in 1886 in Chestertown, Maryland which was later named and manufactured in 1890 in Baltimore.
