Paranormal Pajama Party

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Episode 24: Green Ladies and Glaistigs

Stephanie Summar

Skeletons in the Walls

Fyvie Castle
Robert William Billings

Scotland's misty moors and ancient castles have long been associated with supernatural tales and ghostly apparitions. Among the most intriguing of these spectral entities are the glaistigs and green ladies, female phantoms whose stories are deeply woven into Scottish folklore and, increasingly, the country's tourism industry.

Glaistigs: The goat-legged guardians

Glaistigs are unique creatures in Scottish mythology, often described as small women with long blonde hair and goat legs hidden beneath flowing green dresses. These supernatural beings straddle the line between helpful and mischievous.

They are known for their fierce protection of cattle and deer herds, often acting as unseen shepherds in the Scottish highlands. Glaistigs have a particular fondness for milk offerings, which are traditionally left in hollowed-out stones to appease them.

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Despite their protective nature, they have a playful side, often manifesting in their tendency to rearrange furniture and play pranks on unsuspecting homeowners. Perhaps their most distinctive feature is their incredibly loud voice, said to be capable of “wakening the echoes of distant hills” – a trait that comes in handy when herding their beloved cattle.

Despite their sometimes troublesome nature, glaistigs are considered relatively harmless compared to other mythical creatures. They're often associated with specific locations, particularly castles and large houses, where they act as tutelary spirits.

Green Ladies: tragic tales of betrayal

Glaistigs aren’t the only folkloric creatures dressed in green and haunting Scottish homes. Green ladies are typically portrayed as the ghosts of women who met tragic ends, often at the hands of their husbands or male relatives.

These spectral figures are frequently sighted in Scotland's most famous haunted castles. Fyvie Castle, for instance, is home to the ghost of Dame Lilias Drummond, whose name mysteriously appeared carved into a window sill after her death. Crathes Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of a murdered daughter of the family, often seen cradling an invisible infant near the fireplace where a child's bones were discovered. In England, Longleat House is reportedly stalked by the ghost of Lady Louisa Carteret, eternally searching for her murdered footman.

These tragic tales of betrayal and untimely death form the core of many Green Lady legends.

The curse of green in Scottish superstition

The prevalence of green in these supernatural tales is no coincidence. In Scottish folklore, green has long been associated with both positive and negative connotations. It is strongly linked to fairies and the otherworld, making it a colour of both fascination and fear.

Traditionally, green was considered unlucky, especially when worn as wedding attire – a superstition encapsulated in the saying “Marry in green, ashamed to be seen.” This association with misfortune in marriage seems particularly relevant to the tragic histories of many green ladies.

Yet, the symbolism of green extends beyond Scottish borders and is associated with both life and death in various cultures worldwide. This duality of meaning has made green a potent colour in Scottish superstition, adding an extra layer of mystique to the legends of glaistigs and green ladies.

Paranormal tourism in Scotland

Scotland's rich supernatural heritage has become a significant draw for tourists. The country's tourism industry has embraced its ghostly reputation, with many castles and historic sites promoting their resident spectres as key attractions. This focus on the paranormal can be traced back to the 18th century when English nobility sought “exotic” experiences in Scotland, viewing it as a land of mystery and romance.

The Romantic movement, particularly through the works of Sir Walter Scott, further popularised Scotland's supernatural allure. Scott's writings often featured ghosts and spectres, presenting them as integral to Scotland's cultural identity. This literary trend dovetailed with a growing desire to present an "authentic" Scottish experience to visitors, with ghosts serving as tangible links to the country's dramatic past.

Sex sells – even if you’re selling a haunted house

While paranormal tourism has undoubtedly boosted Scotland's economy, it raises complex ethical questions about the commodification of tragedy and the objectification of female spirits. Many Green Lady legends are rooted in stories of violence against women, domestic abuse, and untimely deaths. By packaging these narratives as entertainment, there's a risk of trivialising the very real suffering that forms the basis of these ghostly tales.

The focus on female ghosts in Scottish paranormal tourism raises questions about gender representation in historical narratives. Why are female spirits so prominently featured? Is it because their stories are more tragic, or because society finds the idea of a beautiful, wronged woman more marketable? These questions challenge us to examine the gendered aspects of how we construct and consume supernatural lore.

As consumers of ghost stories and paranormal experiences, it's crucial to approach these narratives with sensitivity and critical awareness. We must balance our fascination with the supernatural against the need to respect the real histories that underpin these tales. This might involve seeking out more historically accurate accounts, questioning sensationalised presentations, and reflecting on how these stories shape our understanding of Scotland's past and present.

By engaging with these tales thoughtfully and ethically, we can appreciate Scotland's rich paranormal heritage while also honouring the very real women whose stories have become part of the nation's spectral landscape. In doing so, we might find a way to celebrate these ghostly narratives without objectifying or exploiting the female spirits at their centre.

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