I discovered this National Geographic documentary on vampires on YouTube. It’s from late 2006 but probably more relevant and interesting for people nowadays than 3 years ago.
Watch it – the narrative and ideas are very enjoyable. It’s a crash course on vampire folklore as well as weaving an argument pro-and-con vampire existence using history, forensic science, modern medicine and chilling case studies.
The most intriguing part of the episode for me was when they interviewed so-called real life vampire Don Henrie. I’ve seen Don before on television interviews (Tyra Banks show I think from a couple years ago) and he’s apparently the “face” of the real life vampire community in the U.S. That being said, I recall hearing that the vampire community is torn about having a real life celebrity face like Don. Though it’s nice that real vampires finally get some recognition (Don’s openness welcomes others of his kind to step out), other vampires are furious because their very existence is supposed to be shrouded in mystery. Also, anti-Don vampires are upset because now pseudo-real vampire posers are stepping out and claiming the dark gift and they’re obviously not the real real thing. Because technically real real vampires would never do such a thing. And pseudo-real vampires are obviously just impostors channeling the fictional myths fed to the public by media so no one truly knows what vampires are really like … and then the argument gets supremely confusing (and preposterous) and probably best not to think too deeply about it.
Visit Don Henrie’s Myspace page if you’d like – he lives by the motto, “You cannot see the stars without the darkness.” (I believe he only found his darkness a couple years ago because he used to be a computer programmer or something in a 9-5 job… before he suddenly realized that he was a vampire. That’s called “awakening.”)
Some of the stories National Geographic shares concerning real vampires are not as nice as Don’s (since he doesn’t prey on innocent humans). Some are deeply unsettling. But that just means it makes for a good watch and lessons to learn.
I’ve been feeling in the Christmas spirit lately. No big surprise considering it is December and Christmas is now just two weeks away. The world always seems to enter a surreal phase during this time for me: Christmas carols are playing on every radio station, I see commercials for all types of products on TV and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was just on last night. Everything is just so sweet and sappy.
… I love it.
Anyways, I’ve been looking into Christmas gifts for some friends who are fans of Goth culture. This kind of Christmas shopping is always the most fun because of all the intriguing gift items I come across. This year, I get to add a couple more friends to my dark Gothic gift list since a couple of them who would previously have nothing to do with anything vampire-like are now Twilight converts. So I’m going to humor their new obsession with vampire paraphernalia. They’ll probably hate the gift because it won’t have a picture of Edward or Jacob on it – oh well. (Speaking of… has anyone seen this ridiculous Twilight “Edward” holiday stocking on Amazon? The price tag of this oversized sock with Edward’s blown up face is outrageous.)
On sale for only $99.95... wait, what?
So here I am sharing some lovely vampire-inspired gift ideas that are suitable for any diehard Twilight shipper, Goth vampire wannabe or real vampire. Some are kooky, but they’re definitely all fun gifts for the holidays.
“Sealing wax”
Instead of signing and sealing in blood, you can use a dark crimson wax instead – it lends the same luxurious effect. In the past, lovers’ words were sealed this way to symbolize a passion meant only for the recipient. The prettiest seal I’ve seen is a stamp of a rose in dark glittering burgundy.
“Chalice”
Everyone should have at least two Gothic chalices to use when the mood strikes. They are sure to add elegance and color to any meal. They’re also very useful for intimidating dinner guests.
“Vampire perfume”
Aka. Bouquet du Vampyre… custom-created by a perfumer in New Orleans, it’s been known to be a scent that attracts vampires. The aroma is a blend of oils and ingredients from all over the world, but primarily the rose. Vampires adore the intoxicating fragrance of the rose which has a deep, sophisticated and musky smell. Purchase this brand of vampire perfume here.
“Poison pendant”
Small necklace with a compartment that opens to carry poison of your choice. Needs no further explanation on how useful this is.
“Gothic hourglass”
Black sand, fifteen-minute timer gives the perfect measurement time for ¼ of an hour. And it’s just so beautiful to admire.
Finally, this last gift idea is more suited for those who detest the vampire craze and are just waiting for the fad (and vampires) to die off:
“Vampire hunting kit”
Good ones should come with a couple wooden stakes, a vial of holy water, garlic powder (good for savory dishes as well), silver bullets, a revolver, and a holy cross as starter package. More vampire killing items can be acquired at a later time.
**Note: All of these lovely items (including the vampire hunting kit) can be purchased online at Boutique du Vampyre.
I'm addicted to vampires and blood. This is where I'll share my musings on vampiric film and TV, as well as other thoughts on vampire culture. Read my ramblings - I could think endlessly about vampires and other divine creatures of the night.
“Chalice”
“Poison pendant” 
“Gothic hourglass” 
“Vampire hunting kit” 
