Are You Prepared for the Most Dangerous Night of the Year?

I sure hope so, seeing how it is coming in April. It’s the night when all of the evils of the world come out to prey upon the innocent, leaving mass chaos and despair in their wake. It’s the Feast of St. George.

The Feast of St. George is an important religious festival celebrated in Eastern Europe on April 23. It honors St. George, known also as the “Great Martyr.” George was an incredibly beloved saint, he was considered the patron saint of not only England, but of many other countries as well. He was also the patron of cattle, horses, wolves and best of all, all enemies of witches and vampires.

There was once a time when St. George’s Eve was considered the most dangerous night of the year, as the powers of evil and vampires were at its height. Back in the day, people would hide in their houses with every anti-vampire weapon they could get their hands on. They placed thorns upon the threshold of their homes, painted tar crosses on their doors, lit bonfires, put thistles on windows, and placed garlic everywhere. In the Middle Ages these were all considered the perfect methods for keeping yourself safe from evil. But it didn’t end at just that, in Romania the lights in homes were extinguished, prayers were recited throughout the long night, and blades were placed under pillows. In parts of Swabia (an area of Germany) bells rang all throughout the night until dawn.

The people that lived during this time did absolutely everything they could to protect themselves from vampires, and if the morning came without any incident the festival of St. George was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Houses were covered with flowers, such as roses, replacing the thorns and garlic.

As an added fun fact, the legendary Bram Stoker, having thoroughly researched vampire lore for his novel “Dracula,” used the fear of the peasants on St. George’s Eve to warn Jonathan Harker that at midnight “all the evil things in the world will have full sway.”

So prepare yourselves Dear Readers, for the night of evil is quickly approaching.

– Moonlight

By Moonlight

Moonlight (aka Amanda) loves to write about, read about and learn about everything pertaining to vampires. You will most likely find her huddled over a book of vampire folklore with coffee in hand. Touch her coffee and she may bite you (and not in the fun way).

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  5. Interesting. Another factoid that could be used for my book. How I’ll tie all this stuff together escapes me, though. Hahaha!

  6. It’s the most, chaotic time, of the year!
    There will be blood-shed and garlic and stake galore!
    It’s the most, chaotic time, of the year!

    – Haha! spin-off of a Christmas jingle!

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