Cheonyeogwisin

By Crusader1307

In Korean Culture, The Cheonyeogwisin (or more commonly The ''Virgin Ghost''), occupied several mythos thru the past Centuries within that Country. In more ''primitive'' time, Asian Culture was extremely Sexist. Men were seen as the top of Society, with Women being a mere ''support system'' to them and a Family. Cruel, women of this Era(s) in Korean Culture accepted their mantle. A ''woman'' was seen as being NOT ''such'' especially if they did not marry and have children. as a ''virgin'' (akin to European ideology as a ''Spinster'') - it is from this ''misfortune'' that The Cheonyeogwisin Legend was born.

Such unfortunates (if not married), were regulated to caring for other Family Members children as well as becoming a type of indentured servant. This was seen as misery, Hence after so many years of such ''work'', when they died - they became The Cheonyeogwisin. A throuroughly ''evil and malignant'' Force, these Spirits were shown in Art as wearing all white (the color most associated with death and funerals in Asiatic Cultures). With long black hair, often obscuring their face - these Ghosts would ''attach'' themselves (haunt) a Female Family memeber of a similar age (young), when their ''curse'' began.

The goal was to drive their Host insane or likewise make then undesirable to any future Suitor. Knowing various signs of a Cheonyeogwisin ''attack'', Shamans would construct small wooden boxes which were left open within One's home. Curious, when the Ghost ''investigated'' inside the box, it would be shut securely. But regardless - once one became such a Spirit, their was no set method to destroy them.

Commonly, The Family would pray and make offering to The Cheonyeogwisin - enticing The Spirit to become a Family Protector and NOT a curse. Although never made know as to how one was aware if the Demon ''accepted'', such boxes were placed on a Family Ancestrial Altar. Honored daily, IF the chosen victim began to get better ''in mind'' AND if ''good fortune began to befall The Family, it was assumed that the ''prayers'' worked. Even after hundreds of years of maintaining such Boxes, inscriptions WARNING One to NEVER open The Box (least The Cheonyeogwisin learned that their ''job'' was finished decades ago and unleashing an even MADDER Ghost on The World!)