Spook

By Crusader1307

Although the term "Spook" has come to be associated with ANY Spirit or Ghost, it is actually a separate type of Entity. The Genesis of the word comes from Colonial America and the 18th Century. "Spooks" were considered benevolent Spirits that did not always have to be of "Human" nature. They could be helpful or hurtful, depending on their own individual "legends". They were described was being "without true form", and could only be "seen" when wearing a bedsheet. This practice was also thought to be associated with The European custom of a Spirit wearing it's burial shroud. In addition, the word "Spook" evolved into other descriptive words associated with Ghosts. To be "Spooked", is to be scared or alarmed by something or some action. Conversely, the word also evolved into a racial epithet towards African-Americans (1940s). Today "Spooks" have become a more "Child friendly", almost cartoonish image used to promote Halloween, especially in The United States.