If man didn’t have a wonderful power of imagination, we’d probably have no superstitions at all. Also, if people didn’t learn more and more about certain things that happen in nature, these superstitions would probably never die.

The will-o’-the-wisp has been the subject of many amazing superstitions for hundreds of years. There are many tales told of travelers who lost their way in swamps and marshes by following a blue flame that seemed to dance ahead of them. This was the will-o’-the-wisp, or jack-o’-lantern, and it was supposed to be an evil spirit that lured men to their death.

Another name for the will-o’-the-wisp is corpse-candle. In fact, it had different names in different parts of England. Some called it Sylhiam Lamp, others, Joan-in-the-Wad, and still others, Friar’s Lanthorn.

Now, there is such a thing as a pale bluish flame that can be seen floating above swamps and marshes. It is seen not only in England, but in Germany, in Scotland, in Ireland, and in Venezuela! Sometimes it shines steadily in one place, but often it travels rapidly. And sometimes it disappears and reappears from time to time.

The Latin name for it is ignis fatuus, which means “foolish fire.” It is caused by the burning of some of the gases which are released by the decay of plant and animal remains found in bogs. One of these gases is a compound of phosporous and hydrogen. In dry air, this gas often bursts into flame, and thus we have our will-o’-the-wisp.

Why has it been the cause of so much superstition? The reason is probably that it is often seen in churchyards, where the soil and climate are right for producing it. When people attempted to follow it, they finally lost it, of course, since it was caused by the burning of gases.

In certain parts of Wales, the following explanation of the will-o’-wisp is still believed by the peasants. Long ago, St.David promised the Welshmen that no one would die without first having a light come from the churchyard to summon him. So now they believe that the will-o’-wisp is the wisp is the spirit of a deceased relative come from the church-Yard to fetch the spirit of a dying man or woman.