The apparition may be a vision of a fantastic or supernatural creature.
The term appearance refers to the act and consequence of appearing : becoming present , revealing oneself . The concept, which comes from the Latin word apparitio , has several uses depending on the context.
Manifestation
In its most basic sense, an appearance implies that something or someone manifests or makes themselves seen . For this to occur, there must be a material action: that a living being goes to a certain location, either to show itself or to find another, or that someone places an object in a visible place.
For example: “The appearance of whales near the beaches in the north of the city surprised biologists, since it is not usual for these animals to move through the area,” “Numerous human rights organizations marched to the Government House to demand the appearance alive of the militant who has not been seen for three days” , “The residents of the neighborhood were surprised by the appearance of posters with fascist proclamations on public roads.”
supernatural apparition
Another meaning of apparition refers to the vision of a fantastic or supernatural creature , a spiritual entity or a ghost . This vision can occur in different ways and depends on the person's sensation, perception or belief: “Yesterday, while I was walking through the forest, I had an apparition: I saw the Virgin Mary under a tree,” “The religious man assured having had several apparitions of angels in the temple” , “I would love to have an apparition from my grandfather to ask him what happens after death…” .
In different cultures and beliefs, numerous supernatural appearances have been reported. These may include sightings of ghosts , spirits, mythological creatures, aliens, or angelic entities . Each apparition has its own cultural context and specific characteristics, which can range from the terrifying to the benevolent.
Supernatural apparitions have been a source of inspiration for literature , film and other art forms , generating a wide range of interpretations and representations. These stories have fueled our collective imagination and challenged our concepts of reality, mystery and the unknown.
It is important to note that supernatural apparitions are the subject of debate and skepticism . Some people consider these experiences to have scientific or psychological explanations, such as optical illusions, hallucinations, or suggestion . Others, on the contrary, interpret them as evidence of the existence of a world beyond the material, as manifestations of the divine or as paranormal phenomena.
in religion
Religious apparitions are events in which a deity or divine being is believed to manifest in some way to individuals or groups of people. These apparitions have been reported throughout history and in different religious traditions, generating a significant impact on the faith and devotion of those who witness them.
In numerous religions, apparitions have been associated with divine messages or important revelations. For example, in Christianity, the apparitions of the Virgin Mary are mentioned, such as those of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, Lourdes in France or Fátima in Portugal. These apparitions have been considered messages of love, hope or warnings for humanity, and have led to the construction of important shrines and pilgrimage sites.
The Christian religion has recorded numerous appearances of the Virgin Mary.
Religious apparitions often arouse fervor and devotion in believers , who interpret these events as divine signs . These experiences can generate a profound spiritual transformation in those who witness them, strengthening their faith and providing a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the sacred.
It is important to note that religious appearances can also generate debates and controversies. Some may be skeptical and seek scientific or psychological explanations for these phenomena , questioning their authenticity. However, for those who have lived through these apparitions and experienced their personal impact, their meaning transcends any rational analysis and becomes a deeply spiritual experience.