Name Meaning
Hitodama (人魂) literally means "human soul." It refers to ghostly lights or fireballs seen floating through the night, believed to be the soul leaving a person's body after death.
- Hito (人) = person
- Dama (魂) = soul, spirit
Origin
- Seen in both Shinto and Buddhist folklore throughout Japan.
- Common in ghost stories and graveyard legends.
- Linked to the moment of death or nearby spiritual events.
Appearance
- Glowing blue, green, or white orb of flame.
- Often appears near temples, homes, or cemeteries at night.
- Sometimes trails a small tail of fire as it moves through the air.
Behavior & Myths
- Appears shortly before or after death to signify a soul departing.
- Can be seen by those with spiritual sensitivity or during rituals.
- Harmless, but witnessing one is considered a spiritual omen.
Symbolism
- Symbol of transition from life to death.
- Represents the fragile, luminous nature of the soul.
- Frequently depicted in horror and supernatural media.
