Demonic possession facts for kids
Demonic possession is a term used to describe a situation where people in many cultures and religions used to believe that a demon (a devil) could take control of a human being. They thought this meant the devil entered a person's body and made them act in ways they normally wouldn't.
In the past, when people saw someone acting strangely, or having a sudden fit (like a seizure), or even when they fainted, they sometimes believed it was because a demon had taken over their body. These beliefs were often a way to explain things they didn't understand about health or behavior.
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What is Demonic Possession?
Demonic possession refers to the idea that a person's body and mind are controlled by an evil spirit or demon. This belief has been around for thousands of years in different parts of the world. People often thought that the demon would make the person speak in a different voice, have unusual strength, or know things they shouldn't.
Historical Beliefs About Possession
For a long time, before modern science, people didn't understand many illnesses or mental health conditions. If someone had a serious illness that changed their behavior, or if they had seizures, it was often explained as a demon's work.
- Unusual Behavior: People who acted very differently from normal, perhaps talking to themselves or showing aggression, were sometimes thought to be possessed.
- Physical Symptoms: Conditions like epilepsy, which causes fits or seizures, or even fainting spells, were also sometimes seen as signs of a demon's influence.
- Religious Explanations: Many religions had stories and rituals about dealing with demons. These rituals, called exorcisms, were performed to try and force the demon out of the person's body.
Modern Views on Possession
Today, most scientists and doctors explain these behaviors and symptoms differently. They understand that many of the things once blamed on demons are actually medical or psychological conditions.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like epilepsy, mental health disorders, or other brain conditions can cause symptoms that might have been mistaken for possession in the past.
- Psychological Explanations: Sometimes, people might believe they are possessed due to strong cultural beliefs or psychological issues. This is often studied in fields like psychology and anthropology.
- Cultural Context: While modern medicine explains many symptoms, beliefs in demonic possession still exist in some cultures and religious groups around the world.
Related pages
- Demon
- Demonology
- Umbrella (song), a song that has been claimed to be about demonic possession.
Images for kids
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Exorcism of the Gerasene Demonaic
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The Kongo cosmogram inspired the ring shout, a sacred dance in Hoodoo performed to become possessed by the Holy Spirit or ancestral spirits.
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Buddha, resisting the demons of Mara
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See also
In Spanish: Posesión espiritual para niños
