The Ouija board, a tool often associated with the mysterious and the supernatural, has a fascinating origin story that is as intriguing as the board itself. The modern Ouija board, known for its alphabet and numbers printed on a flat surface and a planchette used to spell out messages, got its name in a rather unconventional way—by asking the board what it should be called.
In the late 19th century, spiritualism was sweeping across America, and the desire to communicate with the spirit world was at an all-time high. It was during this period that the Ouija board was born. The board was initially marketed as a parlor game, a fun way to spend an evening with friends, but its connection to the supernatural quickly became its primary allure.
The story of how the Ouija board got its name is both charming and eerie. In 1890, Elijah Bond, a businessman, and Charles Kennard, an inventor, were among the first to patent the board. They were looking for a catchy name that would capture the public's imagination. According to popular legend, during a session with the board, they asked it what it should be called. The board spelled out "O-U-I-J-A." When they asked what the word meant, the board responded with "good luck."
This story, while captivating, is shrouded in mystery and has been the subject of much debate. Some suggest that the name "Ouija" was derived from the French and German words for "yes"—"oui" and "ja." Others believe that the name was inspired by a popular author of the time, Ouida, whose works were known to Bond's sister-in-law, Helen Peters, who was present during the naming session and considered a strong medium.
Regardless of its true origins, the name Ouija stuck and has since become synonymous with the board itself. The Ouija board's popularity soared in the early 20th century, particularly during and after World War I, when many people were desperate to contact loved ones who had passed away. Its reputation as a tool for communicating with the dead was cemented, and it became a staple in the world of the paranormal.
Today, the Ouija board continues to captivate and intrigue people of all ages. Whether viewed as a harmless game or a portal to the unknown, its enigmatic name and origins add to its allure. The story of how the Ouija board named itself is a testament to the human fascination with the mysterious and the unexplained, a curiosity that continues to thrive in the modern world.
