Bakechochin

A bakechochin ( also Chōchin-obake ) is in Japanese folklore, a ghost lantern carried by ghosts, or obake. Bakechochin means “haunted lantern.” The lantern has eyes and a long tongue protruding A tombstone rubbing. from its mouth. It serves as a home for the ghosts of people who died with hate still in their hearts and are thus earthbound. If a person mistakenly lights one of these haunted lanterns, the hateful ghost inside will jump out and attack.

SEE ALSO:

• Japanese Mythology – Legend and Folklore

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – September 1, 2007