Corpse Candles
Mysterious phosphorescent lights often seen over marshes
or in churchyards. They are also known as fetchlights, jack
olanterns and dead mens candles, and are termed ignis fatuus.
They are believed by some to presage death. The size is
said to indicate the age of the victim, a small light representing
an infant death, especially if it is a pale blue color.
These lights are erratic, sometimes disappearing and reappearing.
They may be seen on or near the earth, in the air, or
over lakes, or on the sea. They may be red, white, or blue and
are thought to be caused by unusual atmospheric conditions,
gaseous emanations, or by luminous insects.
