Jiangshi - The Hopping Vampire

So, with Halloween lurking around the corner, I stumbled upon something truly wild: hopping vampires. Yeah, you read that right – hopping. When I think of vampires, my brain usually goes to images of suave, sophisticated bloodsuckers (minus the creepy Nosferatu type). Turns out, the Jiangshi from China aren't anything like the Western version of vampires, and honestly, their version makes a lot more sense. The hopping is all thanks to rigor mortis because, well, they're dead! Their name literally means "stiff corpse," which perfectly explains their rather... unique mobility. Their movements have been described as unnatural and erratic.

Now, don't let their lack of graceful movement fool you. These undead creatures have superhuman strength, enhanced hearing, extreme durability, teleportation abilities, and some really ancient Jiangshi can fly. And just like their more traditional vampire cousins, they can turn you into one of them with a simple bite or scratch. Jiangshi can also be created through the supernatural arts, spiritual possession, or if a soul leaves a body improperly.

Upon reading more about these reanimated corpses, I started thinking "zombie." Unlike your average conniving vampire, Jiangshi are a bit... simple. They lack consciousness and are driven by an insatiable hunger to drain your life force. These zombie-like qualities are reinforced when you dive into their physical description: greenish-white skin that's sometimes furry or even moldy with fungus. (There goes my romantic vampire fantasy again!) They also sport long fingernails, white hair, and fangs, and, of course, they hop around with outstretched arms, decked out in Qing Dynasty robes. 

So, how do you deal with a Jiangshi if one ever crosses your path? Good news, there are actually quite a few ways to defend yourself! Here’s a handy list.

• The Forehead Sticker: The Taoist talisman, called a fulu, is affixed to the forehead to trap and immobilize the jiangshi.

• Mirrors: Like classic vampires, Jiangshi are terrified of their own reflection. They think mirrors can actually hurt them.

• Peach Wood: Objects made from peach wood are believed to repel evil spirits, so they're a no-go for Jiangshi.

• Black Dog Blood: A little gruesome, but the blood of a black dog is said to poison them.

• Jujube Seeds: Nail seven Jujube seeds (known as a natural sedative) to their acupuncture points, and they'll stop moving. 

• The Distraction Tactic: This one's my favorite – Jiangshi love to count. So, if you're in a bind, drop a bag of coins or sticky rice, and they'll be too busy counting to chase you. 

Oh, and a couple more tips: hold your breath if one's nearby, as they detect victims by hearing them breathe. And they're not fans of the sun, so a rooster's crow will send them scurrying. The only way to truly send a Jiangshi to its final rest is to burn it and all its accessories. 

As with most spooky folklore, there's a lesson tucked away. The Jiangshi myth really drives home the importance of respecting the deceased and performing proper rituals to ensure everyone has a peaceful journey to the afterlife.

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