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The Haunting of Fort Street Mall: Ghosts of Pākākā Heiau

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In Honolulu’s bustling downtown district lies Fort Street Mall, a pedestrian walkway lined with shops, eateries, and offices. Today it seems unlikely that this location was used for human sacrifices and that legends claim the victims are still haunting the place. 

During the 1800s and into the 1950s, Fort Street in Honolulu was home to some of the largest department stores in Hawaii. Then Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and the department stores migrated to what was at one time one of the largest outdoor shopping malls in the United States. In 1968, Fort Street was converted into a pedestrian mall.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

To the untrained eye, it’s just another busy thoroughfare in the city. But beneath its modern facade lies a chilling past, one filled with sacrifice, bloodshed, and restless spirits that continue to haunt the area to this day.

Fort Street Mall: Source

A Place Steeped in Blood

Long before it became known as Fort Street Mall, this strip of land bore witness to some of the darkest chapters in Hawaiian history. In the early 19th century, Pākākā Heiau, the largest site for human sacrifices in Honolulu, stood right where the mall is today. Pākākā was no ordinary heiau (temple); it was a place of blood and fear, a sacred ground dedicated to appeasing the gods with the ultimate offering: human life.

Owned by Kīnaʻu, the mother of King Kamehameha V, Pākākā Heiau’s walls were gruesomely decorated with the heads of men offered in sacrifice. The heiau served as a powerful and terrifying reminder of the ancient Hawaiian rituals that once took place in the shadows of what is now the modern city.

Dark Legends and Ghostly Sightings

The violent history of Pākākā Heiau has left a lingering stain on Fort Street Mall, and locals will tell you that this is no ordinary place. According to legend, the spirits of those who were sacrificed here have never truly left. Late at night, when the mall is quiet and the shops are shuttered, headless ghosts are said to wander aimlessly, their disembodied forms searching for the heads that were once displayed on the heiau’s walls.

These spectral figures are often spotted near the intersections and alleyways around the mall, sometimes seen floating just above the ground or gliding silently across the pavement. Witnesses have reported feeling a sudden drop in temperature, hearing faint whispers in Hawaiian, and even catching glimpses of shadowy forms darting between the buildings. Some say they can still hear the eerie sounds of ancient chants and drums, as if the rituals at Pākākā Heiau are being reenacted in the dead of night.

The Cursed Grounds of Fort Street Mall

The tragic history of Fort Street Mall doesn’t end with the heiau. Over the years, this location has seen more than its fair share of disaster and death. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was struck by two great fires, each one more devastating than the last. The bubonic plague also ravaged the neighborhood, leading to quarantines, death, and even the burning of entire blocks to prevent the spread of the disease.

The mall was also once home to the original Queen’s Hospital, where countless patients succumbed to illness and injury. The spirits of those who died in the hospital are believed to linger still, adding to the layers of haunting that permeate the area. Some even claim to have seen apparitions of nurses in old-fashioned uniforms tending to invisible patients or heard the moans of the suffering late at night.

An Uneasy Peace in the Heart of the City

Today, Fort Street Mall is a vibrant part of downtown Honolulu, filled with the chatter of pedestrians, the sounds of street performers, and the clinking of coffee cups at nearby cafes. But beneath the surface, the past is never far away. Many who work or live near the mall have reported unsettling experiences—unexplained cold drafts, objects moving on their own, and strange sounds echoing in the silence after dark.

The headless ghosts of Pākākā Heiau are the most famous of these phenomena, but they are not alone. Some speak of a dark figure seen standing motionless under the old banyan trees that line the walkway, a figure that seems to watch the living with unseen eyes. Others claim to have encountered a shadowy presence that follows them for a few steps before disappearing into thin air.

A Haunted Place of the Past and Present

Whether it’s the spirits of those sacrificed at Pākākā Heiau, the souls of those who perished in the fires and plagues, or the lingering energy of the old Queen’s Hospital, Fort Street Mall remains a place where the past refuses to be forgotten. It stands as a reminder that history is never truly buried, and the ghosts of yesterday can still walk among us, especially in a place as ancient and storied as Honolulu.

So, the next time you find yourself walking down Fort Street Mall, take a moment to listen to the whispers in the wind, the rustling of unseen footsteps, or the faint echo of a chant carried on the breeze. And if you happen to see a headless figure drifting by, remember: you are not alone, for the spirits of Pākākā Heiau are still very much alive in the heart of Honolulu.

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The Haunting of Ulupō Heiau: Spirits of the Ancient Temple and the Human Sacrifices

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What really happened in the ancient temple in Oahu in Hawaii known as Ulupō Heiau. According to stories, this might have been a place of human sacrifices and it is said that spirits of the many who died in rituals are now roaming the place for eternity. 

On the lush slopes overlooking the Kawainui Marsh in Kailua, Oʻahu, the Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most sacred sites. Dating back to the 16th century, this massive stone platform, with its carefully stacked rock walls, was once a significant temple—an altar where offerings were made to the gods, where chiefs sought guidance, and where warriors prepared for battle. 

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The big pile of rocks has signs telling visitors: “Sacred grounds, please do not remove stones”. Yet, for all its cultural and historical significance, the heiau is also known for something far more unsettling: its haunted reputation.

Ulupō Heiau State Historical Site: Kailua, Hawaii, on State and National Register of Historic Places.

Ulupō Heiau and its Sacred History

Ulupō Heiau, which means “night inspiration,” was believed to have been constructed by the menehune, Hawaii’s mythical race of small, industrious people who built many of the islands’ ancient structures. It is by all accounts very old, perhaps even more than a thousand years old. However, the heiau’s true purpose and use evolved over time. 

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Originally a marpele heiau ho‘oūlu ‘ai, a farming temple to ʻāina, where rituals were conducted to ensure bountiful crops, Ulupō eventually became a heiau pōhaku, a stone-walled heiau dedicated to Kāne, the Hawaiian god of creation, sunlight, and freshwater. Or perhaps even a Heiau Luakini dedicated to success in war and was perhaps even the sight for human sacrifice. The site, with its imposing rock walls—some over 30 feet high—became a focal point for the aliʻi (chiefs) of Oʻahu and an important center for spiritual and political life.

Garden view of ceremonial platform, Ulupō Heiau, Kailua, Hawaii, on National Register of Historic Places

As time passed and Hawaii underwent sweeping changes, including the introduction of Christianity and Western influence, Ulupō Heiau fell into disuse. 

Human Sacrifices

As mentioned the stones are said to have been used for human sacrifices as well and has become a part of its haunted legend. According to some it was during war times when King Kamehameha came to this place with his warriors and priest to give thanks to his new god, the war god. It was said he needed more blood and Kamehameha said he needed five people every day as a sacrifice from the islands. But the village chief was an overachiever and killed five people every day just in this one place, just to be sure of the rituals success. 

A stone marker at Ulupō Heiau, adorned with offerings, highlights the sacred history of this ancient Hawaiian temple.

How many of these sacrifices happened, if there were any at all? None? perhaps as much as 80 000 people as some ghost tours proclaim? It’s definetly not certain at all, but ghost stories and creepy legends have been created because of the stories.

The stone platform of Ulupō Heiau, a historic and sacred site in Oʻahu, Hawaii, once used for rituals and offerings to ancient gods.

Ghostly Legends and Hauntings

According to some stories there are tens of thousands of bones buried within the walls of this particular Heiau, and some believe that the spirits of those lingers. The air around Ulupō Heiau seems thick with unseen energy, and those who come here often report a strong feeling of unease, as if they are being watched by unseen eyes.

Locals and visitors alike have spoken of ghostly apparitions roaming the grounds, particularly around dusk or just before dawn. Figures dressed in ancient Hawaiian garb have been seen moving silently through the shadows. Some witnesses describe seeing inexplicable lights—glowing orbs or flickering lantern-like flames that dance among the stones and trees. These lights, which appear and disappear without warning, are often attributed to the wandering spirits of ancient kānaka maoli (native Hawaiians).

Many have also reported hearing the faint sounds of chanting—deep, resonant voices carrying on the wind, speaking in the old Hawaiian language. These chants, believed to be ancient prayers or battle cries, add to the eerie atmosphere of the heiau, as if the spirits of those who once gathered here are still engaged in their sacred rituals.

The Presence of the Night Marchers

One of the most chilling legends associated with Ulupō Heiau involves the night marchers, or huaka‘i pō—ghostly processions of ancient Hawaiian warriors who are said to traverse sacred sites on specific nights, often under the cover of darkness. According to Hawaiian lore, the night marchers are the spirits of fallen warriors or chiefs who roam the islands, retracing the paths they walked in life. They are known to march in formation, accompanied by the sound of pahu drums and the blowing of conch shells.

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At Ulupō Heiau, it is said that the night marchers pass through on moonless nights. Those who have encountered them describe feeling an overwhelming sense of dread and are compelled to drop to the ground and avert their eyes to avoid drawing the spirits’ wrath. Those who fail to show proper respect are said to be struck down by an invisible force or become possessed by a spirit, leaving them lost or disoriented for days.

An Unsettling Presence

Visitors to Ulupō Heiau often speak of an “unseen presence” that follows them as they walk through the area. Some claim to feel a sudden chill or hear footsteps behind them, only to turn around and find no one there. Others feel an inexplicable pressure or heaviness, as if something unseen is pressing down on them. These experiences, coupled with the whispered chants and ghostly apparitions, make Ulupō Heiau a place that can feel profoundly unsettling, even to the bravest souls.

A panoramic view of the sacred Ulupō Heiau in Oahu, showcasing its ancient stone structures and lush surroundings.

For those who venture to Ulupō Heiau, it is a place where history is still alive—a place where the spirits of ancient Hawaiians continue to guard their sacred ground. Whether you come to pay your respects, seek a glimpse of the supernatural, or simply explore the island’s history, remember that this is a site of profound cultural and spiritual importance. Tread carefully, for the spirits of Ulupō Heiau are said to be ever watchful, ensuring that their sacred temple is never forgotten.

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Shadows of Kapiolani Park: Ghosts found in the Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park

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It is said that dark shadows are haunting the Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. People think that dramatic events of bloody battles, deadly plagues and possible human sacrifices might be the cause of the haunting.  

Kapiolani Park or the Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park, in Honolulu on the O’ahu island in Hawaii, is a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at the east end of the popular Waikiki. It is also the largest and one of the oldest public parks in Hawaii, although the haunted rumors behind it started long before. 

Established in 1877 by King Kalakaua, it was named after his beloved wife, Queen Kapiolani. The park was first envisioned as a place for horse racing before becoming a park and was also used by the Cricket club for years. 

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However, beneath its tranquil surface, Kapiolani Park holds a darker, more sinister history that few are willing to acknowledge. The Kapiolani Park is said to be haunted by ghostly shadows, moving in silence after dark. But what event made this place become haunted by an army of shadow-ghosts?

Kapiolani Park: The Kapiolani Park right by the beach are believed to be haunted by strange figures and ghostly shadows. // Source: skyseeker/Flickr

Ghosts from the Battle of Nu’uanu

Some of the legends about the Kapiolani Park is that it was one of the places where the Battle of Nu’uanu played out. 

The Battle of Nuʻuanu, fought in May 1795, was a pivotal conflict in Hawaiian history that marked the culmination of King Kamehameha I’s campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands. On his way to O’ahu to unify the islands after it was weakened after the civil war after the death of Kahekili II, King Kamehameha set sail and his forces landed on the southeastern part of the island, close to Waiʻalae and Waikiki, and the possible the site of what would become the Kapiolani Park.

The Battle of Nu’uanu: Painting from Herbert K. Kane

This decisive battle took place primarily in the Nuʻuanu Valley around 30 minutes by car further in on the island. Kamehameha, the ruler of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, led his forces against the army of Kalanikūpule, the chief of Oʻahu.

Kamehameha’s forces, equipped with muskets and cannons obtained from Western traders, launched a relentless assault, driving Kalanikūpule’s warriors up the valley to the steep cliffs of the Nuʻuanu Pali. In a dramatic and brutal finale, many of Kalanikūpule’s men were forced over the edge of the cliffs to their deaths. The victory at Nuʻuanu secured Kamehameha’s control over Oʻahu, significantly advancing his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. This battle is remembered not only for its strategic importance but also for its profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of Hawaii.

After this, it is said that the island was littered with the dead bodies of the warriors, decaying into bones, many found decades and even centuries later. 

Kapiolani Park Dark Past of Plague and Human Sacrifices

Not only is the location of Kapiolani Park thought to be an ancient battlefield, but there are also rumors about the Kapiolani Park is that it used to be a place of human sacrifices. An ancient Hawaiian heiau is found here, so it was certainly used as a gathering place. But how true are the rumors about the human sacrifices though, and could it have a connection to the many rumors of the haunting said to go on in the park?

The Sacred Heiau Temples: A heiau is a Hawaiian temple with different architectural styles depending upon their purpose and location, they could be simple earth terraces or elaborately constructed stone platforms. Only the luakini was dedicated to human sacrifice. Here is a drawing of a heiau at Waimea, Kauai, originally made by John Webber, who was with James Cook’s expedition. It shows the appearance of a heiau before the coming of Western influences.

There are also stories that this place is haunted by plague victims. This legend also goes back to Kamehameha again and his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands. In 1804 right before he was attacking Kaua’i, plague broke out, killing many of his chiefs and warriors. It is said during this time, hundreds of bodies were sent to sea from the beaches of Waikiki close to the park, now believed to haunt the place. 

Hawaiian Night Marchers Haunting the Park

Long before the park’s establishment, the area was a sacred burial ground for ancient Hawaiian warriors. These resting places, known as “pu’uhonua,” were believed to be imbued with the mana (spiritual energy) of the deceased. Disturbing these sites was said to awaken the spirits, unleashing their wrath upon the living. Despite the warnings and the area’s historical significance, the land was cleared to create the park, and the bones of many warriors were unceremoniously displaced.

Read More: Check out more about the Hawaiian Night Marchers

Have a look from the Hawaiian ghost story teller talk about how the park is said to be haunted:

Over the years, there have been countless reports of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions in Kapiolani Park. Visitors often speak of feeling an inexplicable chill in the air, even on the warmest Hawaiian nights. Some claim to have heard the faint sound of ancient battle cries carried on the wind, while others have seen shadowy figures moving silently among the trees.

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ABC Stores – Kapiolani Regional Park The land that… | Facebook 

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The Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich in Belize and the Stone Maiden Haunting it

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Named after the terrifying sighting of the ghost of a woman in the ruins, the Mayan ruins of the lost city of Xunantunich in Belize is said to still be haunted by her presence. 

Bordering Guatemala all the way west in Belize lies an ancient Mayan ruin shrouded in mystery and ghostly legends. Xunantunich, which means “Stone Woman” in the Mayan language, is a hauntingly beautiful site that has fascinated historians and archaeologists for decades. 

But it’s not just the impressive architecture and intricate carvings that draw visitors to this ancient city. Many believe that Xunantunich is haunted by the spirits of the Mayan people who once called it home. From ghostly apparitions to strange sounds and eerie sightings, there have been countless reports of paranormal activity at this ancient site. 

Xunantunich and El Castillo: The majestic El Castillo pyramid at Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan ruin in Belize, surrounded by lush greenery.

The History and significance of Xunantunich

Xunantunich was a major Mayan city that flourished from the 7th to the 10th century AD. At its peak nearly 200 000 people lived in the Belize Valley and it served as a Maya civic ceremonial center. The site is located on a ridge overlooking the Mopan River, and it was an important center of trade and commerce for the Mayan people.

The city was home to a number of impressive structures, including a large pyramid known as El Castillo. The pyramid is over 130 feet tall and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. Other notable structures at the site include the Ball Court, which was used for a game played throughout Mesoamerica, and the Palace, which was likely the residence of the ruling elite.

Xunantunich was abandoned by the Mayan people in the 10th century, likely due to a combination of factors including drought, overpopulation, and warfare. Some say that a sudden earthquake made the people leave forever in a hurry around 700 AD. The site was rediscovered by Europeans in the 19th century, and it has since been extensively studied by archaeologists.

The Legend of the Ghostly Maiden

But what about the ghost said to haunt the place? Actually, Xunantunich is a modern name, and its original name is lost to history. Xunantunich’s name means “Maiden of the Rock” in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, combining “Xunaan” (noble lady) and “Tuunich” (stone for sculpture). The name today, refers to the ghost legend that has plagued the archeological site. 

According to the legend, a beautiful young woman dressed in white appears to visitors at the site. Her first sighting was in 1892 or 93 when the Europeans ‘rediscovered’ it when the British colonial administration sent Thomas Gann to investigate the area. He was a terrible archaeologist though, using dynamite to dig and destroy many artifacts and buildings. 

Rediscovering the Mayan City: Thomas Gann and laborers atop a burial-mound at Xuanantunich ruins in Belize. Gann removed a stone altar of the god of death at the site which is now hidden from view in a British Museum storeroom. This is when the sighting of the Stone Maiden started. Was it because the holiness of her city was disturbed she came back as a spirit? (credit: Thomas Gann)

She was seen ascending the stone stairs of El Castillo before she disappeared into a stone wall. She is said to be dressed in all white and when she turned back for a moment, the people who saw her claimed she had fire-red and glowing eyes.

When they came back to their senses and the shock left them, they tried to retrace her steps, but she was nowhere to be found. She is said to still make appearances now and again. She was seen so frequently and made such a big impression that they named the city after her. 

Human Sacrifice: Ascending down the stairs as it was some sort of ritual, it has been speculated that the Stone Maiden was picked as a human sacrifice to the Mayan Gods: Source: Thomas Shahan/Wikimedia

But who was this Stone Lady? She is said to be the spirit of a Mayan princess who was sacrificed on the steps of the temple by her father, a powerful ruler, in order to appease the gods. Now she is reliving her final moment again and again, walking to her own death. A similar story has been told about Cahal Pech.

Many visitors have reported seeing the ghostly maiden, and some have even claimed to have had conversations with her. She is said to be a peaceful and benevolent spirit, but her presence can be unsettling and eerie nonetheless. Some visitors have even reported feeling a cold breeze or a hand on their shoulder when they encounter her.

The Mayan beliefs about death and the afterlife

To understand the ghostly legends and paranormal activity associated with Xunantunich, it is important to understand the Mayan beliefs about death and the afterlife. The Mayans believed that death was not the end of life, but rather a transition to a new state of being. They believed that the afterlife was a continuation of the earthly life, and that the spirits of the dead could interact with the living.

The Crystal Maiden: Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), also known locally as ATM, is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District. There are several areas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. The best known is “The Crystal Maiden”, the skeleton of what is believed to be a 17-year-old boy, possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance. The ceramics at the site are significant partly because they are marked with “kill holes” (holes created to release spirits lurking within), which indicate that they were used for ceremonial purposes. Was this the fate to the Stone Maiden?

The Mayans also believed in a complex system of gods and goddesses who controlled various aspects of the natural world. The gods were often associated with specific animals, plants, and celestial bodies, and they were believed to play a role in determining the fate of the dead.

These beliefs about death and the afterlife likely contributed to the development of ghost stories and legends at sites like Xunantunich. The spirits of the dead were believed to have the power to interact with the living, and many Mayans likely believed that the spirits of their ancestors were watching over them.

The mystery and allure of Xunantunich’s haunted history

Xunantunich is a truly unique and fascinating site that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan people. While the ghostly legends and paranormal activity associated with the site may be unproven, they add to the intrigue and mystery of Xunantunich and make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, supernatural enthusiasts, and adventure-seekers alike.

The Mayan Mystery: Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 2-20. In Xunantunich are the remnants of the courts for a Maya ball game where the losers were sacrificed to the gods. Allegedly at least. //Source: Flickr

Whether you’re exploring the impressive ruins, learning about Mayan history and culture, or hoping to experience something paranormal, Xunantunich is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So if you’re planning a trip to Belize, be sure to add Xunantunich to your itinerary and uncover the ghostly secrets of this ancient Mayan ruin.

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    Where the Nydegg Church is today, there once used to be a castle. Tales about ghosts lingering around the old Nydegg Castle and the stairs leading up to it still roams. And one of the more infamous and feared ghosts of Bern is the Burgträppe-Balzli.
  • The Wailing Spirit of Old Beaupre Castle
    The Haunted Ruins of Beaupre Castle in Wales is one of the places in Wales said to have been haunted by the wailing spirit and deadly omen of the The Gwrach y Rhibyn, also known as the Hag of Mist.
  • Iveagh House: The Dying Servant and the Cross in the Window
    It is said a cross shows up in the window of the Iveagh House in Dublin, the former home of the powerful Guinness family. Legend has it’s a haunting that happened after a maid was denied her last rites in the house.
  • The Haunted Legends of Pennard Castle
    Said to have been conjured up by a sorcerer or even the fairy folk themselves, Pennard Castles history is both mysterious and haunted by the sound of the howling witch left in the sandy ruins of the abandoned castle in Wales.
  • Haunted Family Tragedies at Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s
    For a long time, Larnach Castle was New Zealand’s only castle, and for a long time, also one of the more haunted places in the country. Built by a rich banker to live with his family, his dream of a lasting dynasty ended when personal tragedies as well as failed political and business ventures started to turn the family against each other.
  • The Ghosts of St Donat’s Castle – The Wailing Lady and the Watchful Eye
    Crammed into the ancient towers and dark corner of St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, the ghosts lingering within these walls are old and persistent.
  • The Hleiðrargarðs-Skotta and the Ghostly Plague
    After a common feud between two men, a ghost was created to torment the people on Hleiðrargarðs farm. Thus, the Hleiðrargarðs-Skotta and her legendary haunting started, some say it even escalated in her starting a plague, killing both cattle and men.
  • The Ghosts of the Britannia Adelphi Hotel: Shadows in Liverpool
    The current Britannia Adelphi Hotel is the third building here used as a hotel, and filled with ghosts according to rumours. From the dark basement to the haunted suites in the upper floors, this Liverpool hotel is often dubbed Britain’s most haunted one.
  • The Skotta of Ábær From the Bone
    Hidden away in a bone for years, the ghost and Skotta of Ábær was sent on a mission to harass a farmer in northern Iceland. However, they lost control of her, and have since been haunting them all.
  • Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen Haunting the Old Town in Bern
    Said to be unhappy with the fate of the city he once led, the ghost of Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen is said to be haunting the old city in Bern, around the Nydegg Church where his monument is placed.

References:

Xunantunich – Wikipedia

Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich

Xunantunich

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O-shizu, Hitobashira — The Human Sacrifice of Maruoka Castle

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Chosen as Hitobashira, a human sacrifice to ensure the construction of Maruoka Castle, O-shizu were promised a bright future for her children. But when the promise were not honoured, her ghost came back to haunt the castle grounds.

The Maruoka Castle (丸岡城) is sometimes called the Mist Castle (霞ヶ城), because according to legend, there will be a protective mist around the castle whenever an enemy is close to hide it. It stands on the top of a hill protected ramparts as well as a pentagonal-shaped moat and perhaps it is the spirit of the human sacrifice entombed in the castle’s foundation that keeps it hidden in the mist? 

The Maruoka Castle is one of the oldest castles in Japan, sometimes called one of the twelve original castles and is located in the Fukui Prefecture and built at the end of the Sengoku period around 1576 by Shibata Katsutoyo. According to the legend, it was built with a human sacrifice to ensure its endurance.

Hitobashira — Human Sacrifices Entombed in Buildings

The act of a human sacrifice to be a pillar of a building can be seen throughout the world. In Asia, it was especially done to appease the deities and for protection. In Japan, the practice is known as Hitobashira (人柱), meaning human pillar and has been used since the 500 AD at least. 

As well as the spiritual belief it was believed that large constructions like castles, dams and bridges would destroy the feng shui of the land because of the moving of the soil. Because of this, the buildings would then be in danger of all sorts of disasters, both natural as well as man made disasters. The cultural practice of Hitobashira was done then to protect against evil spirits, natural disasters and to make the buildings strong. 

It wasn’t necessarily people that were forced to become the human pillars. Some actually chose this path for various reasons. The word Hitobashira can actually be linked to becoming a God as well. Hito is related to the word, kami, which means God in the Shinto tradition. Bashira can be a term used when being enshrined in an important way. So that the sacrifice would actually be more connected to the gods. 

But then again, there were also more earthly reasons to choose to become a Hitobashira. Poverty for one, as is the case with the Hitobashira that are under the grounds of the Maruoka Castle. 

The Human Pillars of Maruoka Castle

When they were building the Maruoka Castle, they kept running into problems that they couldn’t seem to find a solution to. The stone walls kept collapsing no matter how many times they tried to set it up and they were running out of ideas. Then a vassal suggested that they should have a hitobashira, a human sacrifice. 

The choice fell on O-shizu, a one-eyed woman with two children to feed. O-shizu agreed to be the sacrifice on one condition, that one of her children would be made a samurai. She was a poor woman and this way she could ensure a safer future for her children. 

O-shizu was then buried under the pillars of the Maruoka Castle, one stone on top of the other as she was slowly being crushed to death. It is said she was stoically standing there as the builders slowly killed her, fully knowing her children would be better off. After the sacrifice were done, the walls didn’t budge and the building of the rest of the castle continued without further problems. 

But Shibata Katsutoyo, the one building the castle didn’t follow through on his promise of making her son into a samurai, she came back to haunt Maruoka Castle. Her spirit became resentful and she was the cause of the moat overflowing every spring by the rain.  They called the rain that overflowed the moats the ‘Tears of O-shizu’.

To appease the spirit they erected a tomb to sooth her spirit and we today have a handed down poem about her haunting:

“The rain which falls when the season of cutting algae comes Is the rain reminiscent of the tears of the poor O-shizu’s sorrow”

The Maruoka Castle Today

Today we probably would say that the Maruoka Castle had a problem in its design, not because of the deities. And had it had a more stable way of construction, a hitobashira would probably not have been needed. But again, the castle is still standing to this day, so who is to say, really?

Cherry Blossom Festival: Today the Maruoka Castle is known for being a good place to watch the cherry blossoms every spring more than one of the hitobashira buildings.

Today when the mist is clearing and the castle is visible, there are cherry blossoms blooming in the spring. The castle grounds is a part of Kasumigajo Park and is well known for its 400 cherry blossom trees. There is an annual cherry blossom festival during the first three weeks of April. And in the evenings, there are over 3000 paper lanterns lit up in the dark. 

Perhaps this is appeasing the ghost of O-shizu enough to not overflow the moat with her tears anymore?

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References

Featured Image: baku13/Wikimedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitobashira

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruoka_Castle