hauntedhouse

Haunted house refers to a building, usually residential, believed to be inhabited by ghosts or other supernatural beings. Folklore and popular culture describe such sites as places where unexplained noises, cold spots, moving objects, and apparitions occur. The concept appears worldwide and is a common motif in ghost stories, films, novels, and Halloween tourism.

The term rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries with modern ghost narratives. Since then, haunted houses have become a staple of entertainment and speculation, including investigations by paranormal groups and tours that exploit the association with paranormal activity.

Reported phenomena vary but commonly include footsteps, banging, whispers, sudden temperature drops, doors or objects behaving mysteriously, and sightings of translucent figures. Many claims are anecdotal, and interpretations differ across cultures and individuals.

Scientific and skeptical approaches emphasize natural explanations. Psychological factors such as expectation, pareidolia, and sleep-related experiences can shape perceptions. Environmental factors—drafts, moisture, infrasound, and electromagnetic fields—can produce sensations of unease. Hoaxes and misperceptions also contribute to haunt claims.

In modern culture, haunted houses appear in literature and cinema and are used as attractions for tourism and entertainment, particularly around Halloween. They also raise questions about property history, preservation, and safety in real estate and event design. Overall, claims of haunting remain controversial and are not corroborated by conclusive scientific evidence.