Ever wonder why vampires hate garlic? Dive into the quirky world of vampire lore and discover the smelly truth behind this age-old enigma!
Vampiric Lore
Before we dive into garlic, we need to look at vampiric lore. And trust us, there’s a lot of it. Let’s start off our journey in Transylvania.
Bram Stoker took inspiration from Romanian folklore, but they weren’t called vampires then. They were actually called “strigoi,” undead creatures warded off by garlic.
In rural parts of Romania, this practice is still done. However, the whole vampire thing has become a big part of tourism, so it’s inextricable from that.
Ancient Origins
This pungent bulb has been warding off the undead in folklore long before it became a kitchen staple. Its ancient origins are as fascinating as they are aromatic.
The legend sprouts from a belief that its strong scent could ward off malevolent beings. Garlic was a universal protector, shielding folks from the supernatural.
Incorporating garlic into vampire myths wasn’t random. This allium’s historical association with health and purification made it a natural fit for stories about creatures of the night.
Garlic in Lore
This pungent bulb has become a staple in the anti-vampire toolkit. Its origins in folklore span across different cultures, each attributing garlic with protective powers against the undead.
According to the Washington Post, both Jewish and Transylvanian traditions stress garlic’s supposed supernatural properties. The usage differs from culture to culture, however.
In Jewish tradition, you need to consume garlic to reap the benefits — a notable difference from what’s depicted in pop culture. Transylvanian tradition calls for wearing garlic.
Scent of Safety
Not all traditions rely on ingesting garlic. As we mentioned previously, Transylvanians and other Central Europeans seemed to rely on its strong scent.
To create an effective ward against evil, they would fashion garlands out of garlic. According to The News Review, they wouldn’t only wear them around their necks.
People would (and still do, in some cases) hang the garlands around their house. Typically, they’d be hung in doorways or other points of entry.
Garlic’s Symbolism
Aside from the practical uses of garlic in both cooking and superstition, what does it symbolize? Its roots in mythology are deep, symbolizing protection, purity, and health.
In China, garlic is viewed as a symbol of both protection and luck. Because of this, it’s used in Chinese New Year celebrations (per Greg).
While China has its own version of vampires (the jiangshi), garlic doesn’t actually ward them off. Instead, jiangshi are defeated by talismans and rice.
Protection Rituals
Garlic’s role in protection rituals is fascinating. Vampires are only a manifestation of many dark spirits and energies, which every culture has their own version of.
Bulbs of garlic are often added to evil eye talismans, warding off bad luck and dark spirits. We see this throughout numerous places, including Albania.
The use of garlic in safeguarding against vampires showcases how ancient wisdom and superstition can influence modern-day vampire lore. It’s a curious blend of myth and material.
Medical Marvel
The secret behind why vampires hate garlic might not even lie in the supernatural. Garlic is actually a medical marvel, packed with allicin.
Allicin is a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It improves cholesterol levels and reduces blood pressure. The dark spirits they keep at bay could actually be illnesses.
Garlic also boosts the immune system, making it easier to ward off colds. It’s fascinating how this culinary staple doubles as a symbol of protection in folklore and health.
Garlic in Pop Culture
How creators handle the garlic myth depends on the kind of story they’re telling. In less traditional works like Twilight, garlic has no effect on vampires.
What about other modern examples? Well, Anne Rice’s vampires in The Vampire Chronicles are similarly unaffected, though sunlight still proves deadly. Unfortunately, Lestat doesn’t sparkle.
Garlic isn’t entirely ineffective in fiction, though. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the eponymous vampire can be fought off with garlic, but can’t be killed by it.
Aromatic Armor
Remember how we mentioned those Transylvanian garlic garlands? They act as a kind of spiritual armor, warding off vampires, werewolves, demons, and other creatures of the night.
We bet you want to know how to make one. Don’t worry — we’re going to tell you. You might smell, but at least you’ll be protected.
A lot of it depends on the garlic. Softneck garlic is easier to braid together, though hardneck garlic can be threaded and braided with a string.
Myth vs. Reality
Okay, we know you think we’re crazy. “Myth vs. reality? What reality?” is what you’re probably thinking right now. Don’t worry — we know that vampires aren’t real.
Except…what if they were? You see, there’s a large community of “human vampires” around the U.S., though New Orleans is a big hub (per CNN).
Garlic doesn’t work against them (obviously), but they do drink blood. Well, some of them do. And only sometimes, from consenting donors. Wild world we live in.
Other Protective Substances
Aside from wooden stakes, holy water, and sunlight, what are some popular ways to protect yourself from vampires? And is garlic the only food?
Crucifixes and rosaries are supposed to ward off vampires, too. Still, that’s not food (and here at So Yummy, that’s really the main thing we care about).
Aside from the sticky rice tactic used against the Chinese jianghsi, garlic seems to be the only food-related defense. We can’t lie, we’re a little disappointed.
Garlic Superstitions
Aside from its association with vampires, what other superstitions surround garlic? Interestingly enough, most of them have to do with protection and purification.
Its strong smell was believed to be able to purify the air from bad energy. Anyone who’s cooked with garlic will have to agree.
We know it smells, but we think it smells good, even if it’s strong. So there. Anyways, this belief is prevalent across the globe, from the Caribbean to Europe.
The Garlic Test
The “garlic test” was humorously employed to sniff out vampires. Since they can’t stand the scent, they’d be instantly identifiable. That’s not the only meaning it has, though.
See, this test refers to another old wives’ tale that’s just as fascinating. Apparently, eating garlic can determine what gender your baby will be.
First, you need to eat raw garlic. Then, wait a little bit. If you start smelling like garlic, it’s a boy. If not, it’s a girl.
Conclusion
So, we’ve peeled back the layers of the garlic myth, one clove at a time, uncovering why vampires hate garlic. Whether it’s ancient symbolism, health benefits that repel the undead, or simply the potent aroma, the reasons are as varied as they are fascinating. Next time you’re whipping up some garlicky goodness, remember its legendary power to ward off vampires. But hey, maybe keep a window open, just in case the scent is strong enough to ward off your friends, too!