Dolls have a peculiar place in society. They are objects of play and innocence but, at times, the source of horror films, haunted houses, and spooky pop culture legends. So, why are dolls so creepy?
If dolls give you the chills, you're not alone. Many people think they're scary but rarely ask why. Read on to explore the history of dolls and find out why horror films and haunted attractions rely on them for bone-chilling thrills. Spoiler alert: the answers will fascinate you.
In 18th-century Europe, parents would hang wax dolls in their children's bedrooms to scare them into staying there at night. This practice became known as "doll torture" or "doll hanging."
Finally, in the 19th century, dolls became more popular in Europe and North America. Children started collecting porcelain dolls instead of rag dolls because they looked prettier and cost more money. Porcelain dolls also became popular gifts for young girls because they looked like real babies.
Dr. Daniel Claridge, a cognitive neuroscientist at Cardiff University in Wales who studies human emotion and memory formation, says two main factors explain why we find something creepy:
"There's an uneasy aloofness there as if the doll can watch you even as you move around the room," says David Kupferman, an associate professor of education at the Minnesota State University at Moorhead.
One of the most significant explanations for doll phobias is their role in pop culture. When it comes to horror films, dolls are not just creepy — they are downright terrifying. From Annabelle to Chucky and everything in between, something about these lifeless objects makes them so unnerving.
In recent history, shows like American Horror Story highlighted cursed or haunted antique dolls and porcelain dolls, adding to society's intrigue with this phenomenon. And horror classics like the Child's Play series grossed more than $250,000,000 and spooked and delighted millions of viewers around the world.
Cultural standards and personal experiences also play a role in why some people find dolls frightening. For instance, certain cultures embrace dolls as symbols of life, fertility, and protection, while others may equate them with childhood innocence or mortality.
But sometimes dolls represent something much more sinister – transiency, or the loss of life's vibrancy as we age, rather than the happy memories associated with childhood. These complicated emotions ultimately contribute to the uneasy feeling you might feel when you encounter a doll in a scary movie or haunted attraction.
Whether you're a doll collector or the statuesque figures give you the creeps, if you love thrills, you'll love Kersey Valley!
Come for the haunted attractions and explore dozens more activities, from laser tag and escape rooms to a rock wall and indoor/outdoor axe throwing tours.
If dolls give you the chills, you're not alone. Many people think they're scary but rarely ask why. Read on to explore the history of dolls and find out why horror films and haunted attractions rely on them for bone-chilling thrills. Spoiler alert: the answers will fascinate you.
A Brief History of Old Dolls: From Sinister to Treasured
Dolls have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the earliest civilizations. Ancient Egyptians used them to represent evil forces. They believed dolls were made from the bodies of humans who died a violent death and were used as part of rituals. Other cultures also used dolls in ceremonies, rituals, and forms of witchcraft.In 18th-century Europe, parents would hang wax dolls in their children's bedrooms to scare them into staying there at night. This practice became known as "doll torture" or "doll hanging."
Finally, in the 19th century, dolls became more popular in Europe and North America. Children started collecting porcelain dolls instead of rag dolls because they looked prettier and cost more money. Porcelain dolls also became popular gifts for young girls because they looked like real babies.
Why Do Dolls Scare Us?
So, what makes Cabbage Patch Kids or Analee dolls adorable and Chucky dolls so creepy? What makes vintage dolls endearing to some and scary to others? From reborn dolls to porcelain dolls and everything in between, the psychology of what the brain perceives as threatening is interesting.Dr. Daniel Claridge, a cognitive neuroscientist at Cardiff University in Wales who studies human emotion and memory formation, says two main factors explain why we find something creepy:
- Familiarity
- Ambiguity
"There's an uneasy aloofness there as if the doll can watch you even as you move around the room," says David Kupferman, an associate professor of education at the Minnesota State University at Moorhead.
Afraid to Keep Reading About Creepy Dolls?
Explore Kersey Valley's Other Family-Friendly Attractions, Including a Corn Maze and Escape Rooms!
The Influence of Horror Films and Pop Culture
One of the most significant explanations for doll phobias is their role in pop culture. When it comes to horror films, dolls are not just creepy — they are downright terrifying. From Annabelle to Chucky and everything in between, something about these lifeless objects makes them so unnerving.
In recent history, shows like American Horror Story highlighted cursed or haunted antique dolls and porcelain dolls, adding to society's intrigue with this phenomenon. And horror classics like the Child's Play series grossed more than $250,000,000 and spooked and delighted millions of viewers around the world.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Dolls
Cultural standards and personal experiences also play a role in why some people find dolls frightening. For instance, certain cultures embrace dolls as symbols of life, fertility, and protection, while others may equate them with childhood innocence or mortality.
But sometimes dolls represent something much more sinister – transiency, or the loss of life's vibrancy as we age, rather than the happy memories associated with childhood. These complicated emotions ultimately contribute to the uneasy feeling you might feel when you encounter a doll in a scary movie or haunted attraction.
If You're Ready to Face Your Fears, Visit Kersey Valley Spooky Woods!
Whether you're a doll collector or the statuesque figures give you the creeps, if you love thrills, you'll love Kersey Valley!
Come for the haunted attractions and explore dozens more activities, from laser tag and escape rooms to a rock wall and indoor/outdoor axe throwing tours.
Why Are Dolls So Creepy? Now You Know the Answer, So Come Face Your Fears!
Book Your Fright Night at Kersey Valley, Rated a Top-5 Haunted Attraction in the United States!