i'm an anime fan and because some have vampires originating them to japanese mithology i've always tought that's were they come from.however,recently,a friend of mine told me they were more connected to romanian legends...
could you please tell me if that is right?i would also like some more information on this.
thank you,
mia
Dear Mia,
I'm glad that you're interested on this kind of subjects,because I'm proud to be romanian and to present you the real origin pf vampires.These legends play significant roles in the cultures of many areas around the world. These blood-sucking beings are most common in the cultures of Eastern Europe, although similar manifestations are reported in some Asian cultures as well as some ancient cultures. Vampire legends have a distinct background bridging several cultures and eras, making them some of the most compelling stories ever told.
The most well-known versions of vampire myth are those of the Slavic and Romanian cultures, which, due to their proximity, are surprisingly similar. Both have several reasons that a person may become a vampire, such as unnatural death, birth defects, or conception on certain days. Romanian legend gave rise to the belief that being bitten by a vampire would doom one to become a vampire after death. Both Slavic and Romanian myths hold the belief that, with the advent of a vampire, there would be deaths of livestock and family members of the vampire. The favored way to kill a vampire in these two myths is by driving a stake through the heart, decapitation, and if necessary, dismemberment. Slavic and Romanian vampire myths have given rise to the most popular world-view of vampires.
Perhaps the most famous vampire of all times was Count Dracula. Many movies have used his character, but the novel, written by Bram Stoker, in 1897, played a very important role in his career as a well known vampire. The name of the book was "Dracula" and many say that this is the birth of the legend of the famous Count Dracula. Bram Stoker's character in the Dracula novel, was compared to one of the best-known figures of the Romanian history - Vlad Dracula, nicknamed Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler).
The vampire is truly a global creature, with myths related to the dead which rise to drink the blood of the living coming out of cultures all around the world. The victims of a vampire either dies or becomes a vampire. Vampires could also be made in a variety of ways: a child born under certain omens, a cat or other animal jumping over a dead body, someone who committed suicide, and practicing witchcraft are some activities thought to be the cause of vampirism. In order to protect yourself from a vampire, there are a few things that can be helpful: garlic, silver cross, sunlight or fire, cross or crucifix, holy water, mountain ash (rowan). It is believed that it is possible to become a vampire if: you are born the 7th son of the 7th son, if a dead body has been reflected in a mirror or a child who dies unbaptized (known as "moroi").
Vampires are usually "night people" on a biochemical level. They have inverted circadian rhythms, with body cycles such as temperature peaks, menstrual onset, and the production of sleep hormones in the brain occurring at the opposite time of day from most people. They have difficulty adjusting to daytime schedules and frequently work nights. They tend to be photosensitive, avoiding sunlight, sun burning easily, and having excellent night vision. Their vitality ranges widely, and they can be vigorous and active one day, depressed and languorous the next.
Write me at askaromanian@gmail.com
Write me at askaromanian@gmail.com
