Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, True Blood…..just a few TV shows and movies which continue to maintain the popularity of Vampires. But what is it that fascinates us so much?
Most descriptions claim that Vampires can not be exposed to sunlight, suck the blood from the living, which can turn them into vampires and are killed by a stake to the heart.
The folklore around Vampires can differ depending on the culture. For example, Russia believed Vampires were witches that once rebelled against the church whilst in China, if a corpse was jumped over by an animal (especially Dog or Cat) they would become the undead…a Vampire!
In British culture Vampires dont die but a bite from one and you become one. In fact, bloated corpses that were purple or darkish in colour whilst in a coffin or shroud were alleged to have consumed blood and so they too were a vampire!
So how did we stop them? In European culture is was all about severing tendons or limbs to prevent them from moving. Sometimes planting seeds or millets were said to do the trick.
The history behind the start of this craze in Britain is a little sketchy to say the least. A creature known at the Old Norse which dates back to the 12th century was very similar to what we know as a vampire.
But by the 18th century Vampire frenzy has taken hold of Europe with grave diggings to stick stakes in to hearts. The hysteria was so bad that event Governments began hunting so called Vampires! People claimed to be attacked by Vampires in what became known as the ’18th Century Vampire Controversy’
In modern days beliefs have changed a fair bit. There are ‘Vampire’ clubs with people who live the life of a vampire in a cult like scenario and many attribute that to the power and well…..sex involved!
But for most of us, we are happy to watch those movies and TV shows which still continue to excite the nation about Vampires!
supernaturaltours.home.blog 