Vampires, creatures of folklore that feed on the lifeforce of the living, have long fascinated us. Many cultures have their own version of how vampires behave and are repelled by many different things. Modern vampires in movies, TV shows, and books have some similar main characteristics—let’s explore some interesting or common beliefs about vampires and where they may have come from.
Garlic
It’s a common belief that garlic repels vampires, but did you know that some of that belief is grounded in fact? Garlic, specifically the chemical compound allicininside garlic, is a powerful antibiotic. SomeEuropean beliefs around vampires stated they were created by a disease of the blood, so a powerful antibiotic would “kill” a vampire.
An actual disorder of the blood, porphyria, may also be an origin for this belief: porphyria can cause those who suffer from it to look pale and even make their teeth look bigger because their gums shrink. Garlic makes these symptoms worse, so people with porphyria would often avoid it—making others around them believe they were vampires.
Mirrors
Vampires avoiding mirrors is a more recent belief— the first known reference to this is from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which was published in 1897. But why wouldn’t a vampire show a reflection?
There are a few reasons that this belief may exist. Mirrors were traditionally backed with silver (and some still are today). Silver was commonly believed to repel evil spirits, possibly because it has antimicrobial properties; so, much like garlic, the healing properties may be what was supposed to scare off a vampire.
Another reason that suspected vampires may have avoided mirrors is because of the changes to their appearance from diseases commonly confused with vampirism, porphyria and rabies. People afflicted with these diseases may have avoided looking in a mirror for that reason, causing others to assume that “vampires” avoid mirrors.
Counting
Why does Count von Count, a vampire, teach us how to count on Sesame Street? It comes from a European belief that vampires are compelled to count spilled seeds or grains. Some Slavic coastal towns also believed that vampires would count the holes in a fishing net. It was common practice to scatter seeds outside the entrances to a home (or drape fishing nets over them). Some Chinese myths say that a vampire must count every grain if they come across a bag of rice. A vampire would stop to count, delaying them until sun-up, and we all know that vampires don’t do well in sunlight.
A common seed used was mustard seed, which was also known as eye of newt!
Now that we’ve learned a little about fictional vampires, let’s explore some real-world vampires!
The Galapagos Islands are home to many unique and unusual species, so the vampire ground finch fits in well. This species of sharp-beaked finch lives on Darwin and Wolf Islands, and like most other finches it feeds primarily on seeds. However, seeds can sometimes be a limited resource, so vampire ground finches supplement their diet by eating small amounts of nutrient-rich blood from Nazca or blue-footed boobies.
It is believed that this behavior developed because the finches were first eating ticks from the bodies of other birds, which steadily transitioned into them eating small amounts of blood. Believe it or not, the other birds don’t seem to mind the vampire ground finches doing this, and don’t try to stop them!
Vampire Bats
There are three species of bats that survive by exclusively feeding on the blood of other animals- the common vampire bat, the hairy-legged vampire bat, and the white-winged vampire bat. All three species are found in Central and South America.
Like other bats, they hunt at night and rely on echolocation to find their prey, which is typically sleeping livestock, like cows. Vampire bats use their sharp teeth to make a little cut and then lap up the blood. It doesn’t hurt the animal they’re feeding from, in fact most animals don’t even notice it happening and stay asleep! These bats occasionally try to feed off humans, but it is very rare.
Mosquitos & Ticks
We’ve all felt the aftermath of an itchy mosquito bite! Mosquitos feed on blood from humans and other animals, but it’s only female mosquitos that eat blood. Female mosquitos need the protein from blood to produce eggs, and male mosquitos don’t so they feed on plant nectar.
Ticks drink the blood of both warm and cold-blooded animals, latching on and feeding slowly over several days. They can fast for a long time between meals, but do need to feed on blood as they progress through the stages of their life cycle.
Neither mosquitos nor ticks (or any other blood eating insects) eat enough blood to be dangerous to humans. The biggest danger is that these insects can carry diseases, so make sure to properly care for and clean any insect bites, and see a doctor if necessary!
Jo Tauber is the Gallery Experience Coordinator for CMNH’s Life Long Learning Department, as well as the official Registrar for the Living Collection. Museum staff, volunteers, and interns are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.
Vampires aren't just a vessel for disease. They are also often portrayed sexually in literature and media, as a vessel for sexual repression, as sex is another big societal taboo. In Pop Vampires, Freud, and Primary Masochism, Charles Henry discusses how vampires symbolize repressed masochism, a sexual taboo.
Garlic is a pungent plant in the allium family, known around the world for its health benefits. There is, however, one supernatural creature that is harmed, not helped, by garlic: vampires. It's commonly said that garlic repels them, hinders their ability to feed on human blood, and can even kill them.
Jure Grando Alilović or Giure Grando (1578–1656) was a villager from the region of Istria (in modern-day Croatia) who may have been the first real person described as a vampire in historical records.
Why is it believed that vampires hate garlic? Many cultures have long believed in the extraordinary powers of garlic: from ancient Egypt to Romania, garlic has been used as a natural insect repellent, a natural antibiotic, and as protection against other preternatural evils.
Known as “the vampire disease,” porphyria is a group of rare, genetic blood disorders that impact the production of hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that transports oxygen in the blood. Cutaneous porphyrias (porphyrias affecting the skin) leads to sensitivity to sun and light.
Mirrors were traditionally backed with silver (and some still are today). Silver was commonly believed to repel evil spirits, possibly because it has antimicrobial properties; so, much like garlic, the healing properties may be what was supposed to scare off a vampire.
In many myths and legends surrounding the fiends, vampires are said to be afraid of, or damaged by, crosses and other holy symbols. This is, essentially, the result of vampires being understood as unholy and thus symbols of the divine, like crosses, are anathema to their very beings.
But are they real? Historical evidence for vampires is primarily anecdotal and yet, there is some physical evidence – at least of peoples' belief in these creatures. Archaeological evidence of vampire “remains” exists (Pringle).
Early Life. during his youth he was made into a vampire by the damnation of God. After becoming a vampire, he became a master of sorcery and necromancy. While his powers were later regarded as standard abilities for a vampire, the novel notes that he is exceptionally powerful and gifted, even for a vampire.
"Dracula," Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, cemented the idea that the Count could not bear the smell of garlic. This portrayal has influenced countless adaptations in movies, TV shows, and other media, in which garlic remains a powerful vampire deterrent.
And, vampires, for all their supernatural abilities, have a number of weaknesses, too. In addition to sunlight, the average vampire can be killed (or at least thwarted) by a stake through the heart, decapitation, fire, silver, garlic, the sight of a crucifix, holy water, and running water.
Roses: The scent of a rose is supposed to keep vampires at bay, the thorns are said to trap vampires in their graves, and even the petals are said to damage a vampire. Wild Dogroses are also commonly used. Blackthorn: Romanians kept it sewn in their clothing to prevent attacks.
Gothic-era vamps often seduced women as part of their evil actions, and now that vampires have the chance to be morally good, or at least morally gray, and thus get to act as love interests the audience is supposed to root for, the sex appeal angle has gotten even stronger.
The classic vampire is, at least, intelligent, and often is handsome or beautiful. Unlife as a vampire has a certain appeal - yes, you have to drink blood but you'll be young, strong and beautiful forever. They could possibly have romantic feelings, even if these are sublimated by their bloodlust.
Summary. Blood sharing is a personal and intimate act between vampires on The Vampire Diaries, symbolizing trust and care between individuals. Elena chooses to share the blood of one Salvatore brother after becoming a vampire, causing tension in her relationships.
Vampires are extraordinarily beautiful, some more attractive than others, such as Heidi and Rosalie. Their beauty is described as angelic or even god-like. This is one of the several features meant to attract their prey—more specifically, to attract, fascinate, and (if necessary) seduce, unsuspecting humans.
Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking
Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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