WHAT ARE SPIRIT RAPPINGS? & LISTEN TO THE 1853 SPIRIT RAPPINGS SONG MUSIC

Hydesville, a hamlet in New York State, is the birthplace of modern-day Spiritualism. It is famous for the unexplained rappings (knocks) that were heard by the two Fox Sisters (11-year-old Catherine, and 15-year-old Margaret) on March 31, 1848. The rappings were soon understood to be emanating from a murdered peddler (Mr Splitfoot), who was buried in a false wall of their house. 

Definition

Rappings can be described as "a form of communication between living persons and the spirits of deceased persons by tapping out messages on a table, board, or the like" [1].

Catherine and Margaret Fox

Postcard photo of the original Fox Cottage which was moved to Lilydale, NY

"Spiritualism affirms that our spirit survives physical death & enters a Spirit World which surrounds & interpenetrates material life. This can be demonstrated under the right conditions when mediumistic communication takes place between the worlds of Spirit and earth" [2]

The Legacy of Rappings

Whilst it must be said that on some occasions, there were accusations of, as well as proven fraud, there were nonetheless many positive endorsements in that: what was relayed in the messages derived from rappings and tappings was accurate. Moreover, "the practices of table-tipping and spirit rapping left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the 19th century. They not only influenced the development of Spiritualism but also spurred discussions on the nature of consciousness, the afterlife, and the human desire to connect with the unknown" [3].

At the present time, the practices of spirit rappings and table tipping "are often viewed through a historical lens, offering insights into the societal and psychological factors that fueled the Spiritualist movement. While modern technology has introduced new means of exploring the paranormal, the foundational practices of [these phenomena] remain emblematic of humanity's enduring quest to understand the mysteries that lie beyond our perception" [3].

Furthermore, I would like to add that at times, some of us mediums hear Rap Tap Taps. On one occasion, I was in the wonderful historic Arthur Conan Doyle Centre in Edinburgh,  sitting a room with the famous Scottish author and psychic investigator, Ann Treherne. I suddenly heard a loud rap, and turned my head to the beautiful wooden-paneled wall. - Ann said that she was surprised I heard it, and said that it was her spirit guide telling her that I should put more focus on my natural spiritual healing abilities.

You may like to listen to this wonderful, uplifting piano piece, entitled Spirit Rappings, which I reintroduced to the world of Spiritualism a couple of years ago. It was released in 1853 (5 years after the Hydesville Rappings). I have included the lyrics below.

Lyrics 

Written by  J. Ellwood Garrett

Composer W.W. Rossington 

1. Softly, softly, hear the rustle of the Spirits airy wings; they are coming down to mingle, once again with earthly things. With their rapping and their tapping, Rap-Tap-Tap to wake our napping, In the restless dream of error: hear the weird the Spirit brings. – Rap-Tap-Tap lost friends are near you; Rap-Tap-Tap they see and hear you. In their mystic converse rappy, they declare good Spirits happy. They declare good Spirits happy.

2. Gently, gently, they are timid, if a medium is not there. They may leave you in delusion, and dissolve again to air, ‘Tis no fable – beings able – Rap-Tap-Tap upon a table. And their language is translated, while they watch with guardian care. Rap-Tap-Tap lost friends are near you; Rap-Tap-Tap they see and hear you. In their mystic converse rappy, they declare good Spirits happy. They declare good Spirits happy... [4].

References

[1]. Collins Dictionary "2024). "Spirit Rapping."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/spirit-rapping

[2]. Cheshire & Merseyside Palliative & End of Life Care Network

https://www.openingthespiritualgate.net/spiritualist/#img-loadinglazy-classalignnone-wp-image-2337-srchttpswwwopeningthespiritualgatenetwp-contentuploads201708asset-41png-alt-width30-height27-beliefs

[3]. The Experimental Medium (N.D.).  "Table-Tipping and Spirit Rapping: The Forgotten Tools of Early Mediumship."

https://www.experimentalmedium.com/mediumship-blog/table-tipping-and-spirit-rapping

[4].  John Hopkin Sheridea Libraries & University Museums (N.D.). "Spirit Rappings."

https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/collection-pdfs/levy-051-093.pdf

Note: It is upsetting to see the servants at the door in the picture of the Spirit Rappings song cover. It does, however, highlight the reality and inequality of the way things were. - And this should never be forgotten...