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Seance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seance

[seɪˈɑːns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

spiritual meeting

A séance is a meeting at which people attempt to make contact with the spirits of the dead, often using a medium. The practice is rooted in various spiritual and religious beliefs that contend the dead can communicate with the living. Séances are frequently associated with the Spiritualist movement, which began in the 19th century and involves various rituals and practices intended to facilitate communication. Participants typically sit around a table, hold hands, and focus their energy to invite spiritual presence. The outcomes of séances can range from reported experiences of communication to skepticism regarding their validity.

Synonyms

ghost sitting, medium session, spiritual gathering.

Examples of usage

  • We gathered for a séance in hopes of contacting our ancestors.
  • The séance led to unexpected revelations about the past.
  • Attending a séance can be both thrilling and unsettling.
  • Many skeptics dismiss the efficacy of a séance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Séances became widely known in the 19th century as part of a wave of interest in spiritualism, with many seeking to connect with deceased loved ones.
  • Famous figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were advocates of spiritualism, promoting séances as a means to communicate with spirits.

Pop Culture

  • Séances have been featured in countless movies and literature, often portrayed as eerie gatherings filled with suspense.
  • In the famous board game 'Clue', one of the characters, Professor Plum, is connected to a séance scene.

Psychology

  • The process of a séance can create a shared sense of belief and community among participants, affecting emotional bonds.
  • Some psychologists believe that séances can lead to a psychological phenomenon known as 'groupthink', where individuals' thoughts are influenced by the collective mindset.

Spiritual Practices

  • Various religions and cultures have their own forms of communicating with spirits, showing that the practice of connecting with the other side is universal.
  • In some African traditions, ancestral worship involves similar practices where believers connect with their deceased ancestors during gatherings.

Origin of 'seance'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'séance' comes from the French word meaning 'session' or 'sitting'.
  • It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, gaining popularity during the spiritualism movement.

The word 'séance' comes from the French term meaning 'session' or 'sitting', derived from the Latin word 'sedere', meaning 'to sit'. Its usage began to reflect the practice of coming together to communicate with the spirits, particularly during the rise of Spiritualism in the late 19th century. As people sought to connect with loved ones who had passed, séances became popular social events. The public's fascination with the supernatural and the unknown fueled the development of various methodologies in conducting séances, leading to the involvement of mediums who professed to be able to bridge the gap between the living and the deceased. Over time, séances have been both celebrated as genuine means of communication and criticized as charlatanry, contributing to the complex history of spiritual exploration.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,144 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.