Description

Time: 1018 AD, location: during China’s Northern Song Dynasty (under Emperor Zhenzong, second year of the Tianxi era), a bizarre panic swept through regions like Luoyang (Xijing), Kaifeng, and beyond.

Rumors spread of a “hat phantom” or “hat demon”: a mysterious object shaped like a wide official hat (round, broad-brimmed, like ancient Chinese futou or conical hats) flying silently at night, glowing faintly around the edges. Witnesses claimed it descended into homes, sometimes transforming into a large wolf or beast to attack or injure people.

The sightings caused massive hysteria in people barricaded doors, stayed up all night banging pots to scare it away, formed armed patrols, and economic activity ground to a halt from fear. Official reports reached the emperor (via military governor Zhang Min), who ordered investigations, Daoist rituals to exorcise it, and even punished officials for mishandling the rumors.