Vampire Costumes
The current fascination with vampires may seem like a fad, but the truth is that vampires have held men and women enthralled for several centuries. The idea of the living dead is something that makes us shiver and wonder at the same time. These creatures seem to be a figment of the imagination, though there has been enough “evidence” in years past to cause mass hysteria. Many cultures throughout history have had their own version of this supernatural being, and most subsist on blood. That’s just creepy, so of course we all love them. Anything that can send a thrill up our spines is fantastic in our books and movies.
Because the fascination never really dies, every generation puts forth a new version of the vampire. Perhaps the most famous vampire of all is Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, believed to be based on a fifteenth century king known for his barbarism. Since then, there have been dozens more vampires to land in the limelight, including Nosferatu, Lestat from Interview with the Vampire, Lily Munster from The Munsters, Count von Count from Sesame Street, Angel from Buffy and the Vampire Slayer, and even Edward Cullen from Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.
Though there has certainly been a trend removing the scary aspect from vampires, especially considering the latest vampires to join the hall of fame actually sparkle, everyone knows deep down that you wouldn’t want to meet one in a dark alley on your own–not even Edward Cullen. That remainder of fear doesn’t stop us all from considering a vampire costume whenever there’s a chance to dress up. Halloween in certainly the most popular time to become something else, and it’s a perfect time to bring out the scarier vampire costumes. Of course, there are other occasions when a vampire costume could be the perfect thing, including themed parties, birthday parties, and festivals.
The appeal of the vampire doesn’t rest in only one country, though the United States may hold these creatures in slightly higher esteem. America is certainly responsible for most of the efforts to take the scary right out of these blood-sucking creatures. When vampire costumes are worn in America, you will most likely see the benign beings before you will see the truly scary ones. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, where fancy dress parties are fairly common for no reason at all, may feature several vampires on any given night. These are often the suave, romanticized vampires bent on seduction, so you should protect your heart and your throat at all costs!
Sometimes the special occasion centers entirely on vampires, and in these cases the costume is imperative. Some American cities, especially New Orleans, are well known for their vampire lore. You can find vampires wandering the streets on any given weekend, with several more joining during festivals. Romania and Transylvania also often capitalize on their vampire fame. There are times when you could find some of the scarier vampires wandering the areas, because these countries know how to do it right. If you’re planning to travel, you might want to check for the festivals before you pull out your cape and fangs, though.
You can find vampire costumes in many places, starting with traditional party shops. These costumes are often quite popular, and that means someone else could come dressed just as you are. To get something a little more authentic, you can try finding rental shops that provide costumes to theaters and drama groups. When all else fails, grab a pattern and a photo of your favorite vampire and start sewing your own. With so many famous vampires, you’ll have plenty from which to choose.