Theater ''Ghost Light''

By Crusader1307

A very old Custom (superstition really) – a ‘’Ghost Light’’ can be found in nearly every form of Theater around The World. The true origins of the Custom is murky, but some trace it to the English Stage and the 16th Century AD (although references can be found in Ancient Greece as well). The belief provides for the placing of an ordinary Light (torch in by gone days), SOMEWHERE in the Theater – when all have gone home for the evening. The complete darkness of the Theater is thus illuminated by the light source. Why? Theatre Performers are a superstitious lot – it is widely believed every Theater has at least one Ghost that haunts the structure (for as we have seen Ghosts and Spirits ARE reported in MANY Theaters). By providing light, it is thought the Ghosts (who are thought to be former performers or workers), can ‘’continue Their Craft’’ on stage when no one is around! This lessens the chances of ‘’poltergeist activity’’ – later in the day, or during ‘’real’’ performances. In truth, the reason as probably related to safety measures. In the event a person had to cross the dark stage at night, they would have some light source (as well as in the morning opening hours) – and NOT fall into the Orchestra Pit (to the front of the stage). At Least That is The Most Common Reason Given……