Mirror Mirror

All things that pass

Through a woman’s looking-glass;

They show her how her bloom must fade,

And she herself be laid

With withered roses in the shade …

Passing and Glassing, a poem by Christina Rossetti

Have you ever heard of a paranormal theory that mirrors can be portals to the spirit world?

Many believe that the reflective surfaces of mirrors provide a doorway for spiritual energy to pass through. This theory is nothing new, in fact, it can be traced back as early as 1800 B.C. and the Mayan civilization. They believed mirrors and reflective surfaces where entrances to the spiritual realms. Depictions of deities had mirrors on or around them in artwork and religious records.

Evidence of mirrors being covered after a person's death can be observed in cultures all around the world. Origins of this tradition can be found in the United States as early as the 1780s when artist Prudence Punderson depicted the practice in her ominous needlework piece, “The First, Second and Last Scene of Mortality,” which she completed just before her own death. In the artwork one can observe her coffin, and just above it there is a mirror covered with a white cloth.

The idea behind this practice is that after a person dies, their spirit may become confused. The spirit can wander and if the mirror is not covered, the spirit may become trapped inside instead of moving on to the next realm. People would drape fabric over all mirrors after a person passed for several days. Many families would hold funeral services in their own homes so this practice was considered highly important to protect the deceased loved one's soul.

The idea of a spiritual connection with mirrors has even seeped into the fabric of folklore as well. The story of Bloody Mary being conjured in the mirror is a story many might find familiar. The tale has been told countless times at sleepovers. Kids and teens tell the eerie story and light candles. They then try their luck in front of a mirror by repeating her name three times. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary.

Wherever you stand on this theory, one fact is true. Locations that exist today with reports of paranormal activity often have something in common... they have mirrors. In many cases plenty of them. Often times locations even have mirrors facing one another. This is also thought to amplify the portals and their ability to allow passage for various energies.

Could it be possible that spirits have an open door to sneak back into the world of the living in this manner?

It is certainly an interesting topic to chew on next time you catch your reflection in the mirror.... Maybe if you stare long enough you might just catch a misty apparition gazing back at you.