Dracula and Other
Vampire Beliefs
Belief in vampires and the power of
blood is as old as mankind
Belief in vampires and the power of blood is as old as
mankind. Early man smeared himself in blood and sometimes drank it. The
ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all believed
in vampires. The Jewish Talmud tells of Lilith, Adam's disobedient first
wife, who was transformed into a monster roaming the night.
In the
Americas, the early Indians of Peru believed in devil worshippers who
sucked blood from sleeping youths to get their life, while the Aztecs
sacrificed victims to ensure the sun would continue to rise, removing the
beating hearts from their victims and holding them high in the
air.
In Transylvania, with its blend of Hungarian, Romanian,
and Gypsy beliefs, belief in vampires has been particularly strong.
Orthodox Christians believe the soul does not leave the body for the
afterlife until 40 days after burial. When an Orthodox Christian is
excommunicated, or converts to another faith, it is said that the earth
will not receive his body, forcing him to wander.
Some Mongolian
peoples of Central Asia believe in the vampire and a bat god. Since
Hungarians migrated to Europe from the steppes of Asia, it is probable
they shared this belief. However, vampire bats, which fly at night and
suck blood from animals, primarily oxen, are only found in parts of Mexico
and Central America.
