Definition
鬼火 literally translates to 'ghost fire' and refers to the natural phenomenon of phosphorescent lights (methane combustion) seen over marshes and graveyards at night, commonly called will-o'-the-wisp in English. In Chinese folklore, it was believed to be the souls of the dead. Note that the English gloss 'jack-o'-lantern' is historically connected but today in Chinese it only refers to the marsh light, not a carved pumpkin.
n.
will-o'-the-wispghostly marsh gas light
Examples
- 鬼火，。Yèlǐ zài zhǎozédì kàndào guǐ huǒ, gǔdài rén yǐwéi nà shì guǐhún.Seeing a will-o'-the-wisp in the swamp at night, ancient people thought it was a ghost.
- 鬼火，。Kēxué jiěshì guǐ huǒ shì línhuǒ, yóu fǔlàn wùzhì zìrán ránshāo ér chéng.Science explains that a will-o'-the-wisp is phosphorus flame, formed by the spontaneous combustion of decaying matter.
- 鬼火，。Zhège chuánshuō tídào yì tiáo xiǎolù shàng jīngcháng chūxiàn guǐ huǒ, xiàhuài le lùrén.This legend mentions that a will-o'-the-wisp often appears on a small path, terrifying passersby.
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