The Charlie Charlie Challenge, also known as "Charlie Charlie Are You There?" Pencil Game, has overwhelmed the Internet and the hashtag #CharlieCharlieChallenge is creating a worldwide whirlpool of fans sharing videos and images about the spooky game.
Here's a list of 5 things you should know about this mysterious challenge that emanates from Mexican folklore and summons the spirit-boy named Charlie.
1. Charlie is not Mexican, but he could be American
While most of Twitteratti are eager to believe that Charlie is, in fact, a Mexican demon boy, BBC reported otherwise:
"There's no demon called 'Charlie' in Mexico," reported Maria Navez for BBC Mundo. "Mexican legends often come from ancient Aztec and Maya history, or from the many beliefs that began circulating during the Spanish conquest."
"Mexican demons are usually American inventions," said the reporter who did some field work on the history of "Charlie," who is presumed to come alive as a premonition or sometimes as an audible sound in the game that attracts kids and teenagers.
2. Be respectful and say goodbye to Charlie, or he will come back unwelcomed
This is something many people are not aware of, but several teens have reported that they heard sounds or thought that Charlie sticks around after you've finished playing. Here, Charlie is teaching kids to say a proper goodbye before they leave!
3. "Charlie Charlie Are You There? Pencil Game" a "demonic activity"
While Twitter was flooded with news and details of the Charlie Charlie Challenge, a priest in Philadelphia has warned his high school students not to test their luck with Charlie. He warned students against playing the game because it would open up doors to a paranormal activity.
"I want to remind you all there is no such thing as 'innocently playing' with demons,'' Father Stephen McCarthy of Saints John Neumann and Mario Goretti Catholic High School in Philadelphia was quoted as saying by The Independent.
He added there was troubling uncertainty behind the object of the game and "what could happen" as an end result of taking the challenge.
4. "Charlie Charlie Are You There? Pencil Game" can be dangerous to kids
"There is a dangerous game going around on social media which openly encourages impressionable young people to summon demons," Rev. McCarthy wrote. "Please be sure to NOT participate and encourage others to avoid participation as well."
He cautioned, "the problem with opening yourself up to demonic activity is that it opens a window of possibilities which is not easily closed."
