The belief in vampires has endured throughout the ages, continuing to terrify people to this day. Romania, often regarded as the epicentre of the vampire world due to its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, remains fearful of the haunting Strigoi; malevolent spirits of unbaptized people and those lacking morality and/or faith in God.
APPEARANCE AND ATTRIBUTES
According to local lore, Strigoi emerge from their graves to terrorise communities, feeding on the blood of their families, neighbours and even livestock. They may also bring about droughts, take milk from cattle, and unleash death amongst the living.
The strigoi are said to be bald with pale skin, red eyes, talon-like nails, and sharp teeth. They dislike onions and garlic. In their graves, they do not decompose but shift into strange positions, uncanny smiles plastered on their faces, their bodies filled with blood. Bram Stoker’s portrayal of Dracula draws inspiration from these ominous creatures.
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS A STRIGOI
Burials may show certain signs with the emergence of a Stigoi. A person laid to rest with open eyes or an open mouth is said to be a Strigoi. Stumbling or falling near an open grave is also said to be a bad omen. It is believed that improper burial practices are linked to the creation of a Strigoi.
Another sign may not develop until after the funeral has taken place. Multiple individuals, often from the same family or friend circle, may die from unknown causes following the funeral of a loved one. This is considered to be no coincidence but a sinister phenomenon, a clear sign that the departed soul has undergone the transformation into a Strigoi.
As well as incorrect burials, a person might turn into a Strigoi if they have certain attributes which are potential triggers, such as living a life of sin, remaining unbaptised, dying without being married or being depressed and/or committing suicide.
PROTECTION MEASURES
To prevent a Strigoi from entering their homes, people may employ protective measures, such as rubbing garlic on doors and windows, or hanging them in door frames. Similarly, crosses are used as protective symbols to ward off the creatures.
Proper burial rites play a crucial role in protecting individuals from becoming the evil undead. For example, the person’s name must not be uttered under any circumstances, as doing so risks reawakening them. Tears must not fall on the body during the burial process. When moving the body for burial, the preferred method is to carry them out of the building feet first, minimising sentimental attachments that might inspire them to linger there. It is essential that the grave itself is dug on the same day as the funeral.
DESTROYING A STRIGOI
To destroy a Strigoi, the most well known method is to pierce the heart with a stake, however other effective approaches include decapitating the individual and burying the head at their feet, removing the heart and burning it, or dismembering the body and burning the pieces.
REFERENCES
Haunted Romania – the Land of Moroi | Rolandia
The Legends And Myths Of Transylvania (theculturetrip.com)
Ethereal Chronicles 
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