what was the origin of the Ouija board?

Answer 1

The first historical mention of something resembling a Ouija board is found in [China] around 1200 BC. According to a French historical account of the philosopher, in 540 B.C.E. his sect would conduct seances at "a mystic table, moving on wheels, moved towards signs, which the philosopher and his pupil, Philolaus, interpreted to the audience as being revelations supposedly from an unseen world." [1]

Popular modern use of the talking boards came with the Spiritualism movement in The United States in the mid-19th century. Methods of divination at that time used various ways to spell out messages, including swinging a pendulum over a plate that had letters around the edge or using an entire table to indicate letters drawn on the floor. Often used was a small wooden tablet supported on casters. This tablet, called a planchette, was affixed with a pencil that would write out messages in a fashion similar to automatic writing. These methods may predate modern Spiritualism.

During the late 1800s, planchettes were widely sold as a novelty. In 1890, businessmen Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard had the idea to patent a planchette sold with a board on which the alphabet was printed, and thus had invented the first Ouija board. Bond was an attorney and inventor of other objects. An employee of Kennard, William Fuld took over the talking board production and in 1901, he started production of his own boards under the name "Ouija" * [1].

The Fuld name would become synonymous with the Ouija board, as Fuld reinvented its history, claiming that he himself had invented it. Countless talking boards from Fuld's competitors flooded the market and all these boards enjoyed a heyday from the 1920s through the 1960s. Fuld sued many companies over the "Ouija" name and concept right up until his death in 1927. In 1966, Fuld's estate sold the entire business to Parker Brothers, who continues to hold all trademarks and patents. About 10 brands of talking boards are sold today under various names [2].

Answer 2

The first historical mention of something resembling a Ouija board is found in China around 1200 B.C. OR THERES THIS It is claimed that its history goes back as far as 540 B.C.E, and that the Greek philosopher Pythagoras used it. On the other hand, the Knoxville News-Sentinel once quoted Canadian author Allen Spraggett as saying in his book Probing the Unexplained: "Anyone who has sat around that infernal instrument of divination, the Ouija board, knows what a dud the ritual usually turns out to be." AND THIS The name Ouija means yes-yes. In 1966 the Parker Brothers purchased the rights to the Ouija Board and shifted its manufacturing facilities to Salem, Massachusetts. "Ouija" is a registered trademark. There are several theories about the origin of the term "Ouija". According to one of these, the word is derived from the French "oui" (for "yes") and the German/Dutch "ja" (also for "yes"). An alternative story suggests that the name was revealed to inventor Charles Kennard during a Ouija séance and was claimed to be an Ancient Egyptian word meaning "good luck.". ORR Some people will tell you that Ouija boards are ancient. In fact, many believe that the boards date back as far as 540 BC. This falsity was further spread by the motion picture Witchboard. In actuality, TRUE Ouija boards are very young when compared to the age shown by the 540 BC claim above. Although similar devices my have existed, actual Ouija boards (meaning a flat surface with the alphabet and numerals appearing on it, and a planchette for choosing letters/numbers) didn't come along until much later on. It is pretty much unknown who invented the Ouija board...but if I had to put my money on it, I'd say it was Elijah Bond since his name graces the original patent documents under the heading "inventor". Still, some say it as a man named Charles Kennard. Regardless of who actually invented the board, Charles Kennard and his Kennard Novelty Company are responsible for being the first to patent a new item that would soon be all the rage. He was awarded the patent on February 10, 1891. He called the new creation "Ouija" because he claims the board told him that Ouija was Egyptian for "Good Luck." Well...Ouija isn't really "Good Luck" in Egyptian but no one seemed to know or care. The name stuck and so did this new fad. OR Ouija boards came into existence as a parlor game in the mid-1800's, when spiritism and channeling were at the height of fashion. The word "Ouija" is a blend of the French and German words for "yes." Adolphus Theodore Wagner first patented Ouija boards, sometimes referred to as "talking boards," in London, England on January 23, 1854

Answer 3

In 1966 Fuld, often considered the modern "father" of the Ouija board, sold his patent to Parker Brothers. Although Parker Brothers keeps sales figures confidential, the board has now sold perhaps 20-25 million sets.The board puts one in contact with the spirit world and as a result it should be considered anything but a game. It continues to be marketed as as game.Many famous mediums began their trade by experimentation with the Ouija board and what they came in contact with are various types of spirits up to and including entities and elementals which should not be confused with some dissassociated spirit of a loved one or not. Some even advise against using it.

Answer 4

I dont know the origin but Parker Brothers have made millions of them. What makes them work?

Answer 5

You can find out at the site below. The site wont allow me to copy & paste so you will need to visit. Very Interesting... :-)

http://www.ghostchatter.com/ghsparchives/ouija1.htm

Answer 6

JellyBean was dead on! It is just a game, a toy. It does NOT put one in contact with the "spirit world".

Gimme a break!!

By the way, I gave JellyBean a thumbs up for her answer.

Answer 7

Who cares? The Ouija board is a toy, which is why it is sold in the toy department and at Toys R Us.

Answer 8

I cant say I know the origions but i can tell you that it is not a toy and should not be used as such.

Answer 9

a few Christians in the 5th century at a costume party

Answer 10

...in a little factory down town.....
no, wait, that was peaches.
never mind,i did't study for this test.