National Paranormal Day

Young woman exploring a haunted house at twilight, wearing a cozy sweater, vintage fashion, mysterious forest backdrop.. — National paranormal day illustration

Gather around, folks! Because it's time to tiptoe into the twinkling twilight zone where the usual rules don’t apply. Yes, we're talking about National Paranormal Day! Peek behind the uncanny curtain and enter a realm where your reality might just get a little... well, unreal.

When is Paranormal Day?

It's national paranormal day on the 3rd May.

A mystifying history!

National Paranormal Day was first mentioned online in 2016, as per our phantom (pun intended) records. Ever since then, it's maintained a ghostly presence on the internet, with at least 2,288 mentions to date. The supernatural chatter reached its peak on May 3, 2019, when the spectral internet seemed to be overflowing with stories of ghouls, apparitions, and other unexplained phenomena.

Not just ghosts!

Although it's easy to think of National Paranormal Day as just 'ghosts galore,' it's essential to remember that the paranormal encompasses much more. We're talking about everything from Aliens, Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster to spoon-bending and those eerie déjà vu moments when you can swear you've lived this moment before. So, buckle up for this day to plunge headfirst into the inexplicable mysteries of the universe, whether that be UFO sightings, mind reading, or our personal favorite - the spontaneous combustion of a pumpkin spice latte (just kidding on the last one).

It's all in good fun!

Above all, National Paranormal Day is about having fun and enjoying the thrill of the unknown. It's a chance to share spooky stories, watch your favorite paranormal-themed movies, or perhaps try to summon spirits using a Ouija board (not recommended without professional supervision), it's all about the spooky essence. So, keep an open mind, embrace the mystery, and who knows, you might just have a paranormal encounter of your own!

History behind the term 'Paranormal'

1920

Birth of Spiritualism

The term 'paranormal' originated in the 1920s, when Spiritualism was gaining popularity. Spiritualism is a belief system or religion that emerged in the late 19th century, centered around the idea that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living. As interest in supernatural phenomena grew, people sought to find a word that encompassed the range of unexplained phenomena and experiences that went beyond the realm of what was considered normal.

1945

Coining the Term

In 1945, the term 'paranormal' was first coined by J.B. Rhine, a renowned American parapsychologist. Rhine used this term to categorize experiences and phenomena that were beyond the scope of scientific explanation. He aimed to create a distinct label that could encompass various aspects of the supernatural, including telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. The term quickly gained popularity within the field of parapsychology and gradually entered mainstream usage.

1960s

Rise of Pop Culture References

During the 1960s, the term 'paranormal' began to make its mark in popular culture. The surge in interest for all things supernatural, fueled by books, movies, and television shows, led to a wider adoption and recognition of the term. Works like 'Ghostbusters' and 'The X-Files' further embedded 'paranormal' into the cultural lexicon, captivating audiences and spawning a fascination with the enigmatic and unexplained.

1970s

Paranormal Research and Investigation

In the 1970s, paranormal research and investigation groups started to form, dedicated to exploring and documenting anomalous phenomena. These organizations sought to conduct scientific studies and investigations into hauntings, UFO sightings, psychic phenomena, and more. As these groups gained public attention, the term 'paranormal' became synonymous with their work, further solidifying its place in the popular consciousness.

Present

Continued Fascination and Mainstream Acceptance

Today, the term 'paranormal' continues to be widely used to describe anything that falls outside the scope of normal scientific understanding. It has become ingrained in popular culture and serves as an umbrella term for a vast array of extraordinary phenomena and experiences. From haunted places to cryptids, from psychic abilities to unexplained events, the allure and excitement surrounding the paranormal persist, drawing countless enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

Did you know?

Did you know? The word 'paranormal' originates from 'para' which means 'beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding'. It's a day to question what you know!