797: Ouija Boards | Skeptical Sunday

Origins

The Ouija board's origins trace back to medieval China, where planchette writing was used to communicate with spirits. This ancient practice involved using a small board with a hole for a writing utensil, allowing spirits to "write" messages. David C. Smalley humorously notes that these early attempts often resulted in nonsensical scribbles interpreted as messages from the dead 1. The Fox sisters later popularized spirit communication in the 19th century, claiming to contact spirits through knocks and eventually using a spirit board. They became the first known spiritualists to perform for audiences, marking the beginning of the spiritualism craze 1.

   

Commercialization

The commercialization of the Ouija board began with Charles Kennard, who capitalized on the Fox sisters' fame by creating the Kennard Novelty Company. With the help of Elijah Bond, they patented the board, cleverly convincing a skeptical patent officer by spelling his name with the board 2. David C. Smalley highlights the board's rapid rise in popularity, noting that it outsold Monopoly in 1967 3. This transition from a spiritual tool to a household game reflects the board's enduring appeal and its role in popular culture.

   

Cultural Impact

The Ouija board's popularity surged during the Great Depression, with the Fuld Company expanding production to meet demand. David C. Smalley shares that a New York department store sold 50,000 boards in just five months in 1944 3. The board's association with the supernatural was further cemented by its inclusion in the 1973 film "The Exorcist," where it was depicted as a conduit for demonic possession 4. This portrayal contributed to its mystique and fear, making it a staple in both pop culture and paranormal lore.