HAUNTS, HOPES & HAPPY EASTER

Retirement Day #2470

The other day, my husband expressed some surprise at my fascination with “true” ghost stories.

To be clear, I avoid horror stories filled with terrorizing, malicious entities, but I appreciate the “true,” [as professed by the teller] “Casper” ghosts who find resolution and move "into the light." Perhaps I just want to believe that shattered hope can resolve into impossible joy, and that we are not stranded here.

Do I believe in ghosts? In a world of unfinished business, buried secrets, lives undone, hurts unhealed, injustice and the unrelenting haunt of grief and regret – yes, there are ghosts. Is it any wonder that such unsettled emotions should give rise to horror? But miraculously, in many “true” ghost stories, these residues of loss seek to resolve, comfort and move on. In order to let go, they require human involvement – and that’s where it gets tricky. Generally speaking, humans aren’t super keen about interacting with ghosts. It’s the ultimate miscommunication mash up. So, when a ghost successfully connects, offering help, comfort and resolution – what’s not to appreciate?

Which brings me to my favorite holiday: Easter. This pastel-egg laden  Christian  spring  holiday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I’m fascinated by its quietly blatant ancient pagan connections, down to its name and timing. It’s blissfully unburdened by the capitalistic frenzy of Christmas, and best of all, central to the celebration is a great story of prophecy, destiny, sacrifice, power, mystery, miracle, and ultimately – hope. And it’s [almost] a ghost story: The Resurrection.

To be clear, Jesus is adamant that he is no ghost. Jesus dies, then he rises [not a zombie], walks through walls, flirts with the ladies, and goes for a stroll, hanging around for 40 days, before ascending after dessert. Doubling down on the “I ain’t no ghost” point [“Stop doubting and believe” – John 27] he invites the disciples to touch his wounds [ew?!] and shares a peace and a meal or two, thereby making it clear –especially to [doubting] Thomas, that he is no ghost. He is Risen. Prophecy fulfilled. Promise kept. 

Ghost-ish or not, Jesus set the precedent of a 40-day period for Christian souls to inspire, thank, resolve, forgive, comfort, and say a proper goodbye. Three to 49 days is surprisingly common cross-culturally and religiously for soulful transitions to be completed. And if not completed? Thus begins yet another ghost story. I’m not aware of ANY culture that doesn’t have some kind of belief in spirits and an afterlife.

Perhaps the idea of ghosts is really about that human craving for a second chance - to atone, forgive and ultimately, find peace and the grace to let go - for both the living and the dead. Peace be with you. And also with you. Happy Easter, indeed.

Hope