Photographing sleeping children has been a practice intertwined with mysticism and superstitions for centuries. In this exploration, we delve into the psychological aspects and historical origins of this intriguing phenomenon.

If a child is truly guarded by their angel, the notion that photographic sounds could frighten them seems absurd. However, according to extrasensory perceptions, a person’s biofield is particularly vulnerable during sleep, especially in the case of an infant’s pure aura. If such a photo falls into the wrong hands, individuals familiar with magic might cast negative energies, potentially harming the child. Even well-meaning relatives, unaware of their actions, could unintentionally jinx the little one.

While esoteric beliefs have their followers, scientific acknowledgment of the human biofield, which may indeed weaken during sleep, adds a layer of complexity. Hence, if parents believe in curses and hexes, caution is advised when sharing photos of their child with strangers or on social media. According to esoteric teachings, a child can be hexed not only through a photograph but also by mere eye contact.

It’s crucial to understand: Orthodoxy dismisses the existence of curses and the like, asserting that a baptized individual is under God’s protection, and succumbing to such negativity is unnecessary.

The fear of photographing sleeping children may trace its roots to a haunting tradition that emerged in 19th-century Europe. When someone in a family passed away, a photographer would be summoned to capture an image of the deceased. Given the costliness of photography at the time, this postmortem photo often became the sole remembrance. The deceased person would appear as if peacefully asleep, sometimes seated with eyes closed. These pictures formed a macabre “book of the dead” within family archives.

Unveiling this eerie custom in the movie “The Others” (2001), starring Nicole Kidman, was a revelation. The protagonist hires peculiar servants, only to discover a photograph of the deceased under a bed, revealing that both the servants and her family were long gone, unbeknownst to her.

Video: Explore superstitions related to photographing sleeping individuals.

When Superstition Meets Reality: The Religious Perspective

The Orthodox Church neither prohibits photographing sleeping children nor confirms that a guardian angel would abandon a child during such moments.

FAQs

How to Protect a Child’s Aura During Sleep?

To safeguard a child’s aura: Avoid sharing sleeping photos with strangers or on social media. Esoteric beliefs suggest that negative energies can harm a child if the photo falls into the wrong hands.

What is the Origin of the Fear of Photographing Sleeping Children?

The fear stems from a 19th-century European tradition where photographers captured images of the deceased, portraying them as if peacefully asleep. This eerie practice contributed to the belief that photographing sleep could foretell imminent death.

When Did the Tradition of Postmortem Photography Originate?

The tradition of postmortem photography emerged in the 19th century in Europe. Families would summon a photographer to capture images of their deceased members, creating a solemn “book of the dead” within family archives.

Where Does the Religious Perspective Stand on Photographing Sleeping Children?

The Orthodox Church neither prohibits nor confirms the fear of photographing sleeping children. According to the Church, a baptized individual, including a child, remains under God’s protection, dismissing the existence of curses.

Why Did People Believe Photographs of the Deceased Resemble Those Sleeping?

The belief originated from the costliness of 19th-century photography. Families, unable to afford frequent photos, often had postmortem images as the sole remembrance. The deceased would be portrayed in a peaceful, sleeping state.

How to Navigate Superstitions When Taking Photos of Children?

To navigate superstitions: If parents believe in curses and hexes, exercise caution when sharing sleeping photos. Avoid exposing the child’s image to individuals unfamiliar with esoteric beliefs to prevent unintentional negative energies.