Spirit facts for kids

Some types of distilled alcoholic drinks are also called spirits (as a plural, not "spirit").

A spirit is thought to be the part of a being that is not the body. Other words that mean similar things are soul and ghost. When a living body is alive, it is believed to have a spirit inside it. Death is often seen as the moment when the spirit leaves the body.

What is a Spirit?

A spirit is often described as the non-physical part of a living thing. It's like the invisible essence or energy that makes someone who they are. Many people believe the spirit is what gives life to a body.

Spirit and the Body

Think of your body as a car. The spirit would be like the driver or the engine that makes the car go. When the driver leaves, or the engine stops, the car can't move on its own. Similarly, when a spirit is believed to leave a body, the body is no longer alive.

Beliefs About Spirits

Many different cultures and religions have ideas about what spirits are and what happens to them. These beliefs have been around for thousands of years.

Spirits in Religion

• Christians often believe that spirits go to places like Heaven or Hell after a person dies. These places are seen as where spirits continue to exist.
• Some Spiritualists believe that spirits can communicate with living people. They might think spirits can even affect things in the world around us.
• Many religions have rules about talking to spirits. Some forbid it, while others include it in their practices.

Spirits and Life After Death

The idea of a spirit is often connected to what happens after death. For many, the spirit is what continues on, even if the body does not. This gives comfort and meaning to life for many people around the world.

Other Meanings of 'Spirit'

The word "spirit" can also mean something else entirely. It can refer to the main idea or true meaning behind something.

The Spirit of a Law

For example, people talk about the "spirit of a law". This means the real purpose or intention that the people who created the law had in mind. Sometimes, the exact words of a law might be confusing. A judge might need to decide what the true "spirit" or meaning of that law is. This helps make sure laws are used fairly.

See also

In Spanish: Spirit (desambiguación) para niños