Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - In modern times many people believe in the existence of ghosts and spirits. Our ancestors shared many of these beliefs and ancient cultures across the world had different concept of death and afterlife.
During the Middle Ages, people were convinced one does not come to heaven or hell right away. The Roman Catholic concept of purgatory was widespread. People were convinced that after death there was a sort of temporary purifying punishment one has to undergo in in order to enjoy the presence and beauty of God and heaven.
By the late Middle Ages it was a popular practice for people to leave money in their wills to hire priests that would perform Mass for their souls. Many Medieval ghost stories are about souls struggling in the Purgatory. These troubled souls often contact their relatives and ask for help to relieve their suffering and assist them in entering Heaven. These could range from paying a debt, fulfilling a vow, or just making sure they were being prayed for.
The most unusual story described here deals with beings some consider to have arrived from a parallel universe.
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