Ghosts are a particular manifestation of a belief in life after death. Though the specifics vary among groups, a ghost is generally understood to be the disembodied spirit or soul of a once-living person. Sometimes the spirit belongs to a deceased animal.

A ghost is said to linger on earth when the person died in a traumatic way, or when his burial ritual was disturbed before it was complete, or sometimes just because the spirit feels like it. Pesky or disruptive ghosts are called poltergeists. Some groups believe that ghosts are actually demons, or evil angels.

Not all belief systems around the world allow for spirits or souls that linger on earth after death, but some do. In fact, many do. The concept is popular in spiritualist circles and many Christian faiths as well. With so many theologies that allow for an immediate spiritual life after death, it is no wonder that ghosts are so popular.

In fact, ghosts are not limited to the realm of the religious. Because they cross social, cultural, and religious lines, ghosts are very popular in movies, novels, and other pop culture manifestations. Ghosts are gaining in popularity as the 21st century wears on.

Luckily for those who prefer not to guess, the truth about death reveals the facts about ghosts as well. This knowledge takes away the guessing and plainly reveals what to safely believe in and what not to.