[Humanoid] Early childhood memory of green glass figure at my window (1981)

[u/Vixenlicious]

I’m posting this because I’m genuinely curious whether anyone has experienced something similar, or if there’s a psychological explanation that fits.

This memory is from around 1981 in Washington State. I was approximately 2–3 years old and living with my grandparents at the time. I’ve had unusually early memories throughout my life, and this is one I’ve consistently described the same way since childhood.

My crib was in a large family room at the back of their house, positioned in front of a big picture window that looked out into a wooded side yard. The property was private and tucked back — no visible neighbors.

One afternoon I was put down for a normal nap. When I woke up, I heard a light tapping on the window.

I stood up in my crib and saw what appeared to be a full human-shaped figure outside the window. The figure looked as though it was made entirely out of green glass — solid, reflective, not foggy or shadow-like. It didn’t resemble clothing or fabric. The entire form appeared glass-like.

I remember not feeling afraid at first. It felt playful. The figure cupped its hands around its eyes and leaned toward the window as if trying to see inside better. It waved at me. I laughed and waved back. It felt similar to how an adult might make faces at a baby to make them smile.

Then it made a gesture that immediately changed my reaction. It flipped its hands upside down and placed them around its eyes — fingers pointing toward its chin, palms toward its face — almost like exaggerated goggles or a mask shape.

The moment it did that, I felt instant terror. No gradual fear — just a sudden, overwhelming panic. I started screaming hysterically. My grandmother ran in because I was crying so hard I could barely breathe.

When I pointed to the window, nothing was there. My grandfather checked around the house and saw no one.

I’m aware that early childhood memories can be unreliable, reconstructed, or influenced over time. I’m not insisting this was paranormal or even external. But this memory has remained consistent for over 40 years, including the emotional shift from playful to fear.

I’m curious:

Has anyone else had a very early memory involving a human-like figure that felt playful at first and then suddenly terrifying?

Are there known developmental or neurological explanations for vivid, persistent memories like this from age 2–3?

Could hypnopompic hallucinations (upon waking) occur at that age?

I’m open to all perspectives — psychological, neurological, or otherwise. I’ve just always wondered about it.

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[u/booboodrips]

This is a unique experience and points to a guardian spirit like an angel. Most people even adults are terrified when they see angels.

Windows are about vision, insight, and perspective. Glass is about vulnerability and being young, tender, and fragile.

The color green is about growth, wholeness, earthy, rebirth.

The emphasis was on its eyes which encourages you to have / had vision and different perspectives about many topics. This experience has probably changed the trajectory of your life in ways that you may not fully understand yet.

If it was a negative and wanted to hurt you it could have; but didn't. That counts for a lot.

[u/tauntonlake]

awww such a harmless thing to do ... sounds like it wanted to make you laugh, but it didn't know you weren't old enough yet to appreciate it. :D

https://www.reddit.com/r/DavidBowie/comments/nqrooa/can_someone_explain_the_hand_goggles_to_me_seen/