Potpourri

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Despite the movies, books, historical references and personal delving into his story, there is much that is still a mystery about the story of Dracula -- the mythological figure purported to feed on the blood of unsuspecting victims. The blood-sucking being explored in the novel by Bram Stoker is believed to have been loosely based on an individual from Romania credited with heinous and bloody crimes. Vlad III, also known as Vlad Tepes "Vlad the Impaler," descended from a father named Vlad II Dracul from the House of Draculesti. This was in the House of Basarab. These people were a family that had an important role in the establishing of the Principality of Wallachia, a geographical region in Romania. The Romanian word "drac," derived from the Latin word "draco," means both dragon and devil.
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Halloween's world celebrations

Halloween dates back thousands of years to ancient Celts and Europeans. Although Halloween is now largely associated with the celebrations that take place across much of North America, where 65 percent of Americans decorate their homes and places of business in the Halloween spirit, Halloween is celebrated in various ways around the globe.
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Werewolves present throughout history

On the eve of a full moon you just may hear a wolf baying into the night sky. But is it a true wolf or a man who has been turned into one?

Werewolf folklore has been present throughout history. Many cultures have their own werewolf stories, and the concept of the werewolf in modern fiction has been prevalent and constantly evolving thanks to the creative minds of horror writers and movie storytellers.
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Song thrills and breaks records

Although Halloween hasn't inspired as many songs as Christmas, there is one song that is played nearly every October 31st.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has become a perennial favorite on Halloween. With its infectious dance beat, catchy lyrics and spooky narration at the end of the song, it's easy to see why "Thriller" has been a Halloween staple for the last 30 years.
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