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The word Vampire did not enter the dictionary until 1734. By the late 18th century, Vampires that were once considered bloodthirsty monsters were replaced by a more romantic and seductive predator.
This poster is filled with ancient remedies regarding the elimination of a Vampire. A true Vampire cannot pass through a thicket of wild rose, especially those having been wrapped around the coffin. The Vampire would become entangled within the briars and in effect, become chained to the grave for all eternity.
Vampires are believed to be undead or immortal and therefore cannot be killed, but they can be destroyed. Rosary beads and crucifixes - anything connected to Christ is abhorred by the Vampire. Light, religious symbols and garlic are all harmful to the vampire, but there are more effective methods.
The best known way of destroying the Vampire, is to drive a stake through the heart. The stake can be made from ash, hawthorne, maple, blackthorn, buckthorn or aspen. It is very important that the stake be driven through in one continuous blow. The head of the Vampire should be cut off using a gravedigger's shovel.
Silver Nails are then driven into the temples, navel, forehead and the back of the neck of the Vampire, and finally, a silver dagger is used to slice open the veins. The chest is cut open and the heart pulled out to be burned on a nearby rock.
"On unearthing a corpse it is usually found with wide-open eyes, ruddy and life-like complexion and lips - a general appearance of freshness, and showing no signs of corruption.
It may also be found that the hair and nails have grown as in life. The coffin is also very often full of blood, the body has a swollen and gorged appearance, and the shroud is frequently half-devoured."This poster is 17 inches wide by 22 inches deep, generous black ink lushly printed on a heavy parchment stock.
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