Expert: Jennifer - 3/22/2007

Question
HI,

I'm not sure if you can help, but your blurb made you seem as good as any place to start. I'm trying to find as much information as I can about how different, ancient cultures perceived the human shadow. I know that most old cultures rolled most of their fears and superstitions into their religions. I've been trying to research old stories, myths, legends, lore, superstitions devoted to how these ancient peoples explained, perceived, feared, worshipped their shadows. I've been looking online for a couple of days now and haven't had much luck. Is there someone in particular, some specific reference source that would be helpful in this area. My interest ranges from as recent as the Native Americans through all of the European and Central American empires to ancient Asian cultures.
Any help you could pass along would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,

I roughly have a gist of what you are researching on. Chinese mythology has its fair share of superstitions, but they mainly revolves around spirits and apparations. In particular, there have been mentions of fox spirit throughout the years, and other ghosts as well. However, I have not come across any reference that points towards people being afraid of their shadows. On the contrary, the Chinese culture have always perceived that anyone without a shadow must be a ghost (the first reaction) or from the underworld.

I don't know if you know any chinese, but if you need, you can type the word ¼v¤l in any search engine, and get it translated. That's the Chinese word for 'shadow' and sorry I can't help you much.