Well, the idea of unfinished business is a key element. Many of the ghosts in workhouse stories are there because they had something unresolved in their lives. Maybe they were separated from their loved ones, or they died without getting justice. Their spirits remain to seek closure. Also, the old and dilapidated nature of the workhouse buildings adds to the spookiness. The creaking floors and drafty hallways create an atmosphere where it's easy to believe that there are ghosts lurking around.
A sense of lingering despair is also common. The buildings themselves are often described as gloomy and haunted. The ghosts might be heard crying or moaning, which represents the unhappiness that once filled the workhouse. For instance, the sound of chains dragging could be a sign of a former inmate who was chained for misbehaving. Another common thing is the cold spots. It's believed that the ghosts draw the heat from the area, creating cold spots in the old workhouse buildings.
One common theme is exploitation. Workers were made to work long hours for very little pay. Another is the inhumane living conditions. They had to live in cramped, unhygienic spaces.
Well, I know a workhouse ghost story where a young girl who was separated from her family in the workhouse passed away from illness. Her ghost is said to be seen in the courtyard, looking for her family. People claim to have seen a faint figure of a girl in a tattered dress, with a sad look on her face. It's a very poignant story that reflects the harshness of the workhouse environment.
Well, Sicilian ghost stories usually have a strong connection to the local culture and history. The ghosts are often the result of some past misdeed. For instance, in many stories, a character's greed or jealousy led to their downfall and now they haunt a place. And, the natural environment of Sicily, like the rocky coasts or the ancient forests, also plays a role. It adds to the spooky atmosphere, making the stories more believable.
One common element is the sense of unfinished business. The soldier ghosts often seem to be still tied to the place where they died, like they have something left to do. For example, still guarding a strategic point.
A common element is the undertaker's special ability to sense the supernatural. They can often feel the presence of ghosts when others can't. Another element is the setting, usually a funeral home or morgue which is spooky on its own. And often, there is a mystery surrounding a dead person that the ghost wants to reveal through the undertaker.
One common element is the haunted building. It could be an old dormitory, a library, or an abandoned structure on campus. Another is the apparition, often described as a figure in white or a shadowy form. And there's usually some kind of tragic backstory, like a student who died in an accident or a person who was wronged in the past.
One common element is old, imposing architecture like castles and mansions. These places often serve as the setting for the ghostly happenings, as they have a long history and many secrets.
One common element is the connection to nature. For example, in stories like the 'Ma cà rồng' (Catfish Ghost), it's related to a river and a catfish. Another common element is the idea of vengeance. Many ghosts in Vietnamese stories are there to take revenge for their unjust deaths, like the young woman in the haunted house story. Also, there is often a moral lesson. For instance, in the story of the soldier's ghost, it might be a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and not to forget the dead.
One common element is old, dilapidated buildings like abandoned houses or barns. These places are often seen as haunted. Another is the use of local folklore and history. For example, if there was a tragic event in the past, it often becomes part of the ghost story.
One common element is the setting. Many Nepali ghost stories are set in old, dilapidated buildings like abandoned temples or old forts. These places are often considered haunted because they have a long history and many stories of death and misfortune associated with them.