What's the Deal With Higurashi (When They Cry)?

So I've started watching Higurashi:When They Cry, and so far it's awesome. The first four episodes gave me goosebumps and even brought a few tears to my eyes with how creeped out i was. And then, with the next episode, it was like nothing had ever happened and they just start over. This happens with every new chapter (every 4 or 5 episodes), and it can get kind of confusing.
So i was hoping someone could fill me in here. Is it part of the "curse?" Is the show just a collection of short stories featuring the same characters? Is this one of those things where i just have to wait and it will all be clear?
Thanks,
Ephemurai

I have the same effing problem. I heard that after you watch the first season you immediately watch the second season because it fills the plot holes that the first season created. But it's been a year since I've watched Higurashi, I have to watch the first season again and then watch the second season ? nah .. maybe in 2 years

Sounds like an effed up idea trying to watch this eh.

i'm almost done with the first season now, and while it did go back and fill some things in, it still retains the issue of seeming like there are multiple storylines at play. Still confusing as all hell. i have the second season so hopefully that will give some answers.

I haven't watch any Higurashi Anime... i think it creeps me out...

The deal with Higurashi is that is was based from the Visual Novel. Thus, showing different routes and endings.

Same boat, the only thing that I was able to understand is about Rika in the first season that she's been trapped in the timeline for long. That she's trying to check out if who's the culprit behind all those events and prevent the same bad ending.

In second season, I'm not quite sure about it since I halfway done on the story, but it seems that it explains how the deaths of the Main Characters are done. (and most of the female leads are bunch of Yangire's and they creep me out )

I also recommend Umineko: When they Cry, it's the same as Higurashi but it's more easy to understand the series of events.