1. Vampirism : Interesting Things You Should Know

2. Although vampiric entities have been recorded in most cultures, the term vampire was not popularized until the early 18th century, after an influx of vampire folklore into Western Europe from Eastern Europe. Folkloric vampires were depicted as revenants (animated corpses) who visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighborhoods they inhabited when they were alive. They wore shrouds and were often described as bloated and of ruddy or dark countenance, markedly different from today's fanged vampire. Vampire: What is it?

3. The notion of vampirism has existed for ages; cultures such as the Mesopotamians, Hebrews, Ancient Greeks, and Romans had tales of demons and spirits which are considered precursors to modern vampires. In most cases, vampires were revenants of evil beings, suicide victims, or witches, but can also be created by a malevolent spirit possessing a corpse or by being bitten by a vampire itself. Belief in such legends became so common that in some areas it caused mass hysteria and even public executions of people believed to be vampires. Folk Beliefs

4. Description and Common Attributes There are several elements common to many European Legends concerning vampires. bloated and red or dark in color; these characteristics were often attributed to the recent drinking of blood. Blood was often seen seeping from the mouth and nose. It would be clad in a linen shroud. Its teeth, hair, and nails may have grown somewhat, though in general fangs were not a feature.

5. Transylvanian--gaunt, pale, long fingernails Bulgaria--only had one nostril Bavarian--slept with thumbs crossed and one eye open Moravian--only attacked victims while naked (not sure who was nude) Albanian--wore high-heeled shoes Mexican--had a bare skull instead of a head Brazil--furry feet Rocky Mountains--only sucked blood with their noses and from the victim's ears. Other Varying Attributes