Onryō facts for kids
Onryō (怨霊) is a type of Japanese ghost known as a Yūrei (幽霊). These spirits are believed to come back to the world of the living. Their main goal is to get revenge on those who wronged them when they were alive. While some Onryō are male, especially in traditional Japanese theater like Kabuki, most of them are women. Often, these women suffered greatly from their male partners in life. But after death, they become powerful and seek justice.
The Spirit World in Japan
In traditional Japanese beliefs, there are different parts to the spiritual world. On one side is Yomi, which is like a hell or underworld. On the other side is the world where living people are. In between these two, there is a special waiting area. This place is similar to a purgatory, where spirits might stay for a while before moving on. However, some spirits do not move on peacefully. This is especially true for people who were murdered or treated very badly. Strong feelings like anger, sadness, or even love can make these spirits return to the world of the living. These are the spirits that can become Onryō.
How Onryō Appear
Onryō and other yūrei ghosts do not have one single look. But during the Edo Period in Japan, Kabuki theater became very popular. To show these ghosts on stage, a special costume was created. This look became very famous and is still used today.
The Classic Onryō Look
The typical Onryō costume includes:
- A white burial kimono. This is the clothing worn by the dead in Japan.
- Long, black, and often messy hair.
- White and purple make-up to make the face look pale and ghostly.
This classic image has had a big impact on how ghosts are shown in modern stories and movies. For example, the famous Japanese horror movie Ring shows an Onryō with many of these features.
