Vampires are notorious for raging in the night, carousing the depths of darkness for energy, food, excitement and fulfillment. Vampires do not have to sleep in coffins or cemeteries but they do need rest. They must sleep during the light hours as daylight frightens, threatens and weakens their sensibilities and powers. Since vampires are definitely night people, dark shades in their rooms are essential to their well-being as they deal with nagging insomnia and fitful days, longing for companionship and camaraderie- just like us! When was the last time you hung out with a vampire? In fact, you just might have a lot in common with these famous vampires!
Warm and Cuddly Vampire
“Twilight” portrays the modern vampire in the form of William Cullen as a handsome, brooding and conflicted young man. Edward is a benign bloodsucker who would rather spend his nights reading, dreaming or cooking up special treats for Bella and his friends-anything to take his mind away from the insatiable indulgence for blood. William would rather neglect his nightly haunts, rarely sleeping, but he does prefer Solar Screens in his room which let in just enough light to keep him from shimmering. Solar Screens give him some solace from his vampire sadness. Edward, our contemporary vampire, invites us into his room.
“I faint at the sight of blood. I don’t want to be a monster.”
-Edward Cullen, “Twilight”
Me neither! How about you?
The Freaks Come Out At Night
More frightening vampires appear in “The Lost Boys” when a town is threatened by a gang of evil vampires who are the demons of the dark, nocturnal natives who do require deep sleep to do their dirty deeds at night. Room Darkening Shades decorate the rooms of these young vampires to ensure a dark room for refueling rest during the day for a night of partying and blood lust. You would be cranky too if you had to “work” all night to stay alive.
“Vampires have such rotten tempers…sleep all day, party at night. Never grow old.”
-Edgar, “The Lost Boys”
Is that your mantra, too?
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
The classic vampire story of Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “recounts” the rampage of this late night stalker who is seeking retribution for the wronged suicide of his beloved wife. Traveling centuries and countries, this Count Dracula searches for peace in violence as he haunts the world for his dead loved one. This aristocratic vampire needs all the energy and wiles he can muster and the darkest, most gloomy place is Count Dracula’s most desirous spot. He embraces total darkness, provided only by true Blackout Shades-nary a flicker of light to disturb this agitated soul. His journey is glutted with fitful bursts of endless roadblocks and tragedies until he finally collapses and succumbs to death.
“Give me peace.”
-“Bram Stoker’s Dracula”
When you are overwhelmed, bone-tired and haunted by sleepless nights, you just might be screaming “bloody murder,” too!
Oh, you know that feeling.
Halloween lets us tap into the dark side and channel our inner vampire. We all have moments when restless nights, annoying lights, noises, and creatures disturb our slumber and we cry for revenge from the endless torture.
Pull down the blackout shades and calm the monsters stalking your dreams. Embrace the darkness that will envelop your slumber and you will awake renewed and restored to your normal self.
But on Halloween night, let your spirits fly!
Happy Halloween.