Methods by which a person can become an undead, as documented from traditions and customs of folklore.
PREDISPOSITIONS
Birth: born at certain times of the year (new moon, holy days); born with a red caul, with teeth or with an extra nipple; born with excess hair, with a red birthmark, or with two hearts.Conceived on a holy day
Weaned too early
Suckled after weaning
Born the seventh son of a seventh son
Death without baptism
Received a curse
Mother did not eat enough salt during pregnancy
Mother stared at by a vampire while pregnant
ACTIONS IN LIFE LEADING TO VAMPIRIC TRANSFORMATION
Committing suicide
Practicing sorcery or witchcraft
Eating sheep killed by a wolf
Leading an immoral life, i.e., prostitutes, murderers, and trecherous barmaids.
Saying a mass while in a state of mortal sin (for priests).
Being a werewolf
DEATH OR AFTER-DEATH CAUSES
Death at the hands of a vampire
Wind from the Russian Steppe blowing on the corpse
Having a cat or other animal jump or fly over the corpse
Having a shadow fall on the corpse
No burial or improper burial rites
Death by violence or murder
Murder that is unrevenged
Having a candle passed over the corpse
Having one's brother sleepwalk
Death by drowning
Stealing the ropes used to bury a corpse
Be buried face up in the grave (in parts of Romania)
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