There are loads of totally random, weird, strange and wonderful vampire facts. An assortment of delicious little tidbits for vampire fans to sink their fangs into. So here is the first part of what will no doubt be a running series. Some silly, devilish and unbelievable vampire facts…
Fishnets: Yup, fishnets. Nets used to catch fish (not the ones on your pasty white legs). Once used in many gypsy villages as well as other cultures to protect against vampire attacks. These nets were dropped over doors of houses to keep a vampire out. See, the idea was that a vampire would be compelled to count all the knots in the net before setting about feeding. By the time it finished counting the knots, the sun would be up and it would have to go back to its grave.
Frankincense: In Dalmatia and Albania frankincense incense were used by the clergy to bless daggers or knives intended as stakes or weapons in fighting the undead.
Seventh Sons: In Romania, those that are born seventh are doomed to become a vampire. The seventh son of a seventh son though, they were super screwed since it was said they were born with a tail. This belief contradicts Gaelic and English views that seventh sons (or generally the seventh child of a family) are born with certain good powers, such as amazing luck and healing. But to the Romanians is just means that once you die you are going to become a vampire.
Blue Eyes: Now this is a belief found in regions of the Balkans and especially in areas of Greece. They thought people with blue eyes would become vampires after death or already were vampires. The belief probably stemmed from the scarcity of blue-eyed people in that part of the world and was reflected in the suspicion they showed to blue-eyed strangers from other lands. On a semi related note: in Ireland, blue or gray-eyed people were said to be able to see ghosts.
Watermelons: Now this is one of the most ridiculous, yet awesome beliefs. Watermelons (as well as pumpkins) were believed to be able to become vampires. This belief comes from the Gypsies of Yugoslavia. But don’t worry, these vampires weren’t said to be dangerous since they didn’t have teeth. What happened was these blood covered melons would growl and pester the living by rolling around their feet. Ahaha.
I swear to you I did not make any of those up, I mean, we are weird here on Vampires.com but not THAT weird… maybe.
- Moonlight
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[...] strigoii is like most traditional vampires: you got suicide, witchcraft, criminal acts, blasphemy, being the seventh son, death at the hand of another vampire, being born with caul, having a cat jump over one’s corpse, [...]
[...] It’s time again for more delicious little bits of vampire information. Another handful of totally random vampire info, covering ancient lore to new and modern facts. If you missed it, check out part one here. [...]