Bells
The constant ringing of bells is said to drive out the undead.
Candles
As you will discover a great deal of items used to protect from
vampires holds a religious meaning and the candle is no
different. The light from the candle represents the rays of the
sun, which is said to be the representation of God. Though the
candle will not destroy a vampire, it should keep one at harms
way.
Crosses and crucifixes
The cross, a religious item demonstrating the power of God
against the servants of evil. The cross or crucifix is probably
one of the most popular protection amulets to defeat vampires.
Amusingly, in the film Love at First Bite, made to be a spoof
vampire movie, the Jewish sign of David should have had the
same effect, as the representation of a god is what drives a
vampire away, not its shape.
Garlic
Garlic is a good source of curing ailments including the blood.
This is the basis of the vampire's dislike to this root. The
application differs from one part of the world to another; some
rub the essence into the skin, others openly wear cloves. In
parts of Eastern Europe cloves are forced into the mouth, ears
and nostrils, and rubbed over the eyes of the deceased to
ward off any evil spirits. Following the decapitation of a
vampire cloves of garlic were squeezed into the mouth.
For these reasons garlic has become quite the natural arsenal
against the vampire population.
Holy water
Only water that has been blessed by a member of the clergy
can be described as being holy water. Holy water has many
functions against the vampire. Firstly, if thrown onto the
vampire it burns into the flesh like acid and if used in a large
quantity can kill a vampire (bathroom scene in Lost Boys).
Secondly, it can be used to protect a grave or coffin, the
sprinkling holy water over either will prevent a vampire from
disturbing the area. Thirdly, it can be used to detect the
presence of a vampire, sprinkling the water onto the ground
will cause the water to boil and steam on a vampire-influenced
area. If used in a small vial will cause the water to glow a
light blue in the immediate area of a vampire (Salem's Lot).
Knots/Fishnets
Vampires are a compulsive race and will spend hours untying
knots. Romanians actually buried their dead with knotted ropes
laid nearby, to hinder any undead activity. In Greece they
abolished the idea of using knotted ropes because they
believed that the knotted ropes slowed down the rate of
decomposing, trapping the soul longer in the body.
Mirrors
Vampires have a certain dislike towards mirrors. Naturally
vampires are vane and will preen themselves, where fancy
clothes and general feel good about their appearance.
Unfortunately, mirrors do not cast a reflection of them. This is
believed to be because it was once the opinion that a mirror
reflects the image of the soul of the person looking at it, and
as vampires do not have souls they can not have a reflection.
An interesting argument was raised recently, if it is accepted
that vampires do not have a reflection because if they have no
soul, then neither why do animals cast a reflection. The reason
behind the argument is that during the time the 'soul
reflection' was mentioned, it was also general belief that
animals do not have souls either (this was to remove the guilt
caused by killing them for food or sport). So either animals do
have souls or there is another deeper reason why vampires are
not reflected.
Seeds/Grain
As we have mentioned before with the knots and fishnets the
seeds and grains have a similar effect. If scattered around the
vampire is compelled to pick them up or count the displaced
seeds.
The constant ringing of bells is said to drive out the undead.
Candles
As you will discover a great deal of items used to protect from
vampires holds a religious meaning and the candle is no
different. The light from the candle represents the rays of the
sun, which is said to be the representation of God. Though the
candle will not destroy a vampire, it should keep one at harms
way.
Crosses and crucifixes
The cross, a religious item demonstrating the power of God
against the servants of evil. The cross or crucifix is probably
one of the most popular protection amulets to defeat vampires.
Amusingly, in the film Love at First Bite, made to be a spoof
vampire movie, the Jewish sign of David should have had the
same effect, as the representation of a god is what drives a
vampire away, not its shape.
Garlic
Garlic is a good source of curing ailments including the blood.
This is the basis of the vampire's dislike to this root. The
application differs from one part of the world to another; some
rub the essence into the skin, others openly wear cloves. In
parts of Eastern Europe cloves are forced into the mouth, ears
and nostrils, and rubbed over the eyes of the deceased to
ward off any evil spirits. Following the decapitation of a
vampire cloves of garlic were squeezed into the mouth.
For these reasons garlic has become quite the natural arsenal
against the vampire population.
Holy water
Only water that has been blessed by a member of the clergy
can be described as being holy water. Holy water has many
functions against the vampire. Firstly, if thrown onto the
vampire it burns into the flesh like acid and if used in a large
quantity can kill a vampire (bathroom scene in Lost Boys).
Secondly, it can be used to protect a grave or coffin, the
sprinkling holy water over either will prevent a vampire from
disturbing the area. Thirdly, it can be used to detect the
presence of a vampire, sprinkling the water onto the ground
will cause the water to boil and steam on a vampire-influenced
area. If used in a small vial will cause the water to glow a
light blue in the immediate area of a vampire (Salem's Lot).
Knots/Fishnets
Vampires are a compulsive race and will spend hours untying
knots. Romanians actually buried their dead with knotted ropes
laid nearby, to hinder any undead activity. In Greece they
abolished the idea of using knotted ropes because they
believed that the knotted ropes slowed down the rate of
decomposing, trapping the soul longer in the body.
Mirrors
Vampires have a certain dislike towards mirrors. Naturally
vampires are vane and will preen themselves, where fancy
clothes and general feel good about their appearance.
Unfortunately, mirrors do not cast a reflection of them. This is
believed to be because it was once the opinion that a mirror
reflects the image of the soul of the person looking at it, and
as vampires do not have souls they can not have a reflection.
An interesting argument was raised recently, if it is accepted
that vampires do not have a reflection because if they have no
soul, then neither why do animals cast a reflection. The reason
behind the argument is that during the time the 'soul
reflection' was mentioned, it was also general belief that
animals do not have souls either (this was to remove the guilt
caused by killing them for food or sport). So either animals do
have souls or there is another deeper reason why vampires are
not reflected.
Seeds/Grain
As we have mentioned before with the knots and fishnets the
seeds and grains have a similar effect. If scattered around the
vampire is compelled to pick them up or count the displaced
seeds.
| Protections |
