As sure as we all are born, we will someday die, and when that day comes, something is going to have to be done with our remains. People are generally content to be interred in a cemetery or to have their ashes occupy a treasured place on a loved one’s mantle.

But sometimes, the deceased want something a little more special done with their carcass. When that happens, we get stories like those below. Read on for ten strangely specific and bizarre instructions left for a deceased person’s earthly remains.

10 Shot Into Space

You might not think that the infinite void of space would be a popular final resting place for anyone, but you would be wrong. Just ask Gordon Cooper, an Air Force pilot and astronaut with 7,000 hours of flight time. After helping humanity reach the stars in Project Mercury, the first manned space program undertaken by the United States, it seems appropriate that a portion of his ashes be flown into the great beyond, not that it was easy getting him there after his death in 2004.

In 2007, some of his ashes (along with those of others) were sent up on a suborbital flight. The capsule fell back to Earth (as was planned in this case), but bad weather meant that it wouldn’t be found for a few weeks. A portion of his remains was sent up on a rocket in 2008 but was lost when the rocket failed two minutes into the flight. Finally, in May 2012, some more of his ashes were sent into space successfully, where they remained for a month before burning up upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.^[1]

Cooper is far from the only person to have their remains grace the starry skies above. The ashes of James Doohan, better known as Star Trek ’s Scotty, was on the same 2007 flight with the pioneering astronaut, as were those of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

9 Carried Into Battle

Robert the Bruce was king of the Scots from 1306 to 1329 and led his people to victory in the First War of Scottish Independence. On his deathbed, the hero king had only one regret: that he had never managed to participate in a crusade in the Holy Land. Knowing that he would never be able to make the journey, he asked his friend Sir James Douglas to carry his heart there instead. Douglas agreed and set out for the Holy Land with the late king’s heart in a casket of silver.

In the end, the heart of the Bruce never quite made it to the Holy Land. During the Battle of Teba, abandoned by his allies, Douglas threw the heart into the chaos of the battle, telling it, “Go first, as thou hast always done.” Douglas would not survive the battle, and the king’s heart would be returned to Scotland to be buried in Melrose Abbey.^[2]

8 Scattered In A Park (After Being Stolen)

How far would you go to fulfill the last wishes of a friend? It sounds like the tagline for a movie, but in 1973, it was the question that Paul Kaufman and Michael Martin had to ask themselves when their friend and colleague Gram Parsons died. While on a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, the 26-year-old singer overdosed on morphine. At a funeral Kaufman and Parsons had attended earlier that year, Parsons had expressed a wish to be cremated and scattered at Joshua Tree. This became problematic, as the body was to be flown to New Orleans for a funeral.

Dedicated to fulfilling their friend’s last wish, Kaufman and Martin impersonated funeral parlor workers and abducted the corpse from the Los Angeles International Airport. They then took the casket to Joshua Tree, poured 19 liters (5 gal) of gasoline inside, and lit it on fire. The pair were ultimately arrested, fined $300, and charged $708 for the cost of the funeral in New Orleans.^[3]

7 Mixed Into Ink

Comic book characters die and are subsequently resurrected all the time, to the point where no one actually believes death is ever permanent in the medium. Sadly, the same cannot be said for their creators, who have but one life to give. Such was the case with comic book author Mark Gruenwald, known for his runs on titles such as Captain America and Squadron Supreme.

In 1996, Gruenwald died of a heart attack caused by an undetected congenital heart defect. Prior to his death, he had made it known to his loved ones that he wished for his ashes to be used as part of a comic book. In keeping with these wishes, his ashes were mixed into the ink used in the first printing of the trade paperback edition of Squadron Supreme.^[4]

6 To Be Forgotten

While many of us want to believe that we will be remembered after we die, some people wish to let their memory be lost to the sands of time. Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, better known as the Marquis de Sade, was one of the people in the latter category. In his will, the writer whose name inspired the word “sadism” forbade his body to be cut open for any reason and stipulated that it be left untouched for 48 hours in the room where he died. After this, he asked that he be placed in a coffin and buried on his property.

Sadly, as the existence of this entry shows, de Sade’s last wishes were not followed. After his death in 1814, he was buried at the Charenton Asylum, where he was imprisoned at the time. His skull was eventually removed so that it could be given a phrenological examination, and it was eventually lost.^[5] As of this writing, the world has yet to forget about the Marquis de Sade.

5 Poured Into A Pringles Can

As multiple entries on this list indicate, the career one pursues in life can influence what they wish to have done with their mortal remains. Fredric Baur was an organic chemist whose most noteworthy achievement was creating the tubular containers used to package Pringles chips. Upon his death in 2008, his children carried out his wishes and put some of his ashes into one of the cans that he created. The can was placed alongside an urn containing more of his ashes in his grave.^[6]

4 To Have An Autopsy

Sometimes, an individual becomes so disturbed that he starts to believe that the only remedy for his condition is death. Prior to his rampage at the University of Texas, Charles Whitman had noticed himself becoming increasingly irrational, even writing in his suicide letter that, “I do not really understand myself these days.” Tragically, this would come to a head on August 1, 1966, when, after killing his wife and mother, Whitman climbed the Main Building Tower at the University of Texas at Austin and opened fire. He would kill 14 more people and injure 31 before he was killed by police.

In his suicide letter, Whitman requested that an autopsy be performed on his body to determine if there was a biological cause for his irrational behavior. Upon performing the procedure, doctors found a tumor the size of a pecan in his brain. The Connally Commission formed to examine the autopsy findings concluded that while they could not definitively state a connection between the tumor and Whitman’s actions, the tumor could have impaired his ability to control himself.^[7] Whitman was later cremated.

3 Used As A Prop In A Play

Some people want their earthly remains used for the benefit of others after their soul has departed this mortal coil. For some, this might just mean checking the organ donor box on the paperwork at the DMV. But for those who want to go the extra mile, there is always the option of donating their body to be used for medical research. Polish pianist and composer Andre Tchaikowsky went even further than that by not only donating his body to science but also giving his skull to the arts.

In his will, Tchaikowsky asked that his skull be donated to the Royal Shakespeare Company with the hope that it would be used in a production of Hamlet. Though he died in 1982, it would be decades before someone would feel comfortable using the skull onstage. But in 2008, Tchaikowsky’s final wish was granted when David Tennant used the skull in a series of performances. Initially, the press was told that the skull had been swapped out for a fake, only for it to be revealed that the real skull had been used.^[8]

2 Buried Behind The Wheel Of A Car

There are few things people love more than their cars, and for at least one woman, her love for her automobile extended beyond death. Sandra West was the widow of a rich oil tycoon and a socialite living in the wealthy neighborhood of Beverly Hills. Her will asked that she be buried in a nightgown behind the wheel of her Ferrari.

After she died of a drug overdose in 1977, the car was lowered into her grave inside a cement box. Concrete was then poured over the top of the box to protect it from vandals.^[9]

1 Shot Out Of A Cannon

Most of us will be lucky if we ever manage to be half as interesting as Hunter S. Thompson. During his time on Earth, he rode with the Hells Angels and gave birth to Gonzo journalism, among other things. It would take another list to go into all the crazy things Thompson said and did in his life. Sadly, he would take his own life in 2005 at the age of 67. In his suicide note, he expressed that he felt that he had lived longer than he wanted.

But there was no way a man like Thompson was going to be buried or kept on someone’s mantle. He had bigger designs. At a private funeral, he had his ashes fired out of a cannon of his own design. He was also mixed into the fireworks that were detonated over the proceedings.^[10]

A guy, doing a thing, at a place.

The world is filled with unique and vibrant cultures. These traditions and customs have spread throughout local communities and abroad. Some are delightful, but some may be shocking and unorthodox.

10Taarof

Taarof is the Iranian practice of performing a gesture of respect and deference, although it is generally understood that such a gesture should be refused. For example, in some establishments, it is considered polite for the shopkeeper to refuse payment from a customer of a higher social rank. The customer understands, however, that the proper response is to insist upon paying. The shopkeeper may refuse payment several times before allowing the customer to convince him to accept. This practice can be very confusing to hapless foreign shoppers.

Taarof may also extend to social invitations. It is understood in Iranian culture that an invitation to one’s home, no matter how enthusiastic, is a mere formality. Should the invitee accept, they may inadvertently put their host (who may not have wanted them in their house at all) in a very awkward position.

9Mano Po

Pagmamano is a gesture that symbolizes respect for one’s elders. It is akin to bowing, with the addition of taking an elder’s hand and pressing it to one’s forehead. The practice is predominantly found in the Philippines and some parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. It is said to have been borrowed from the Chinese centuries ago, when Filipinos began to acclimate to the culture of travelers and merchants. It is quite common at family gatherings to instruct children to ask for a blessing in this manner from their elder relatives.

A similar custom of addressing one’s elders with respect is the use of the words po and opo. For instance, “Ano yun?” (“What is that?”) is a common statement. However, adding po (“Ano po yun?”) signifies respect to the person you are addressing. When an elder or anyone of a higher status asks you a question, you should say opo to indicate the affirmative rather than oo, the common Filipino word for “yes.” In some cases, po and opo are also used as terms of endearment for others of equal stature.

8Bayanihan

Another unique aspect of Filipino culture is bayanihan, the practice of literally moving an entire home to a new location. The villagers gather to lift up the structures, carrying them over quite a distance. In some cases, it’s done to avoid damage to the home from impending floods or landslides, but it’s sometimes done simply to oblige a good neighbor.

Bayanihan occurs mostly in rural provinces, since the abodes found in these areas are made of lighter materials like bamboo and nipa palm wood. While it does take place in urban areas, it is limited to moving items such as hardware, playground contraptions like swings and seesaws, and basketball courts.

7Henna Weddings And The Blackening

Islamic weddings are steeped in centuries-old traditions and rituals. For one thing, it is generally believed that the best day for the ceremony to take place is on Thursday, since Friday is the holy day among Muslims. Another tradition is mehndi, or “henna,” night. Two nights before the wedding, the bride is surrounded by women from her side of the family, who paint designs on her hands, arms, and feet. This was to symbolize the bride’s entrance to womanhood. Some symbols are also meant to provide luck and fertility for the woman.

While henna night is an artistic and beautiful display, the same can’t be said for a custom practiced in parts of Scotland called “the blackening.” It involves friends of the bride and groom tying the two together in bathtubs, large crates, or behind pickup trucks before parading them through the streets to be pelted by passersby with an array of disgusting material. Feathers, soot, rotten eggs, curry, shoe polish, and mud are just a few of the horrors in which the couple can expect to be covered. This fun-filled tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits, and it also provides a bonding moment for the couple that symbolizes the hardships they are to endure and conquer together.

6Mudras

Mudras are seals, marks, or gestures unique to Hinduism and Buddhist cultures, most notably India. No fewer than 500 different meanings can be expressed by the way a person moves their hands and fingers. These movements are believed to allow the individual to control the flow of prana, or life energy, and focus their attention toward a certain goal. They can be seen in statues, paintings, dances, plays, yoga, and meditative techniques.

The gyana mudra, wherein the thumb and index fingers touch while the other fingers extend away from the palm, is said to promote mental clarity and calmness, making it the most popular mudra to use for meditative purposes. The abhaya mudra (simply raising one’s right hand with an open palm and fingers extended straight up) shares an almost universal meaning with other symbolic gestures of various religions and cultures. It’s related to the heart chakra and communicates openness and honest intent. The agni mudra (the thumb touching the middle finger while the rest extend away from the palm) symbolizes fire and is said to aid the digestive process.

5Arriving Late

In many parts of the world, arriving late to a social gathering is considered quite rude, but that’s not the case in South America. In Chile, if the host says that dinner will be served at 8:00 PM, guests are expected to arrive around 8:15 or even as late as 8:30. Arriving on time or earlier could mean catching the host unprepared, and the offender will be regarded as “too eager” for a meal. In Ecuador, arriving 15–20 minutes late is also considered being “on time,” and Brazilians consider meeting times “elastic,” showing up whenever they please.

Even parts of the United States have adopted these traditions, because they have attracted large populations of immigrants from these countries who brought their customs with them. For instance, in Miami, it’s more common for dinner to be served late and guests to be less punctual than in other parts of the country.

4Alcohol And The Devil

Although stereotypes can be harmful, it is true that Russia is one of the highest-ranked countries in the world in alcohol consumption. The country’s love of vodka is also its leading cause of death, from liver disease and alcohol poisoning to fatal accidents and crimes.

Since it’s such an integral part of their culture, there are many rules of etiquette surrounding drinking in Russia. For instance, you can’t place a glass of alcohol back on the table after a toast—it should be bottom’s up and empty. Arriving late for dinner means that you have to drink a full glass of vodka, no questions asked, as you’ll have to catch up with the rest. Between the first and second shots, there must be no interruptions whatsoever. Lastly, you should never make the mistake of offering a toast with an empty glass. If you do, you’ll have to drink the entire bottle.

Russians also love to swear, but their custom is steeped in superstition. It is said that when you curse another person’s health in a manner without malice, you should spit three times over your left shoulder. This symbolically spits in the eye of the devil, preventing bad omens or a temptation of fate. If the curse is made in writing, you should write the guttural sound, “Tfu, tfu, tfu!”

3Pearly Whites And The Tooth Fairy

There are several variations of the tale of the tooth fairy. In Denmark, the tooth fairy is called Tann Feen. In many cultures, the mythical figure is actually a mouse, known in France as La Petite Souris, in Spain as Ratoncito Perez, and in Colombia as El Raton Miguelito.

In Greece and Mauritania, a child does not simply leave his tooth underneath his pillow. Instead, children throw it as hard and as high as they can toward the roof of their home. In Greece, this provides good luck and strong teeth. In Mauritania, if there’s a rooster crowing by daybreak, he could keep the tooth.

In Jamaica, children are told horrible tales about a calf that will take them away unless they place their lost tooth in a can and shake it vigorously. The noise is said to drive the calf away. Malaysian children take a more spiritual view of their lost teeth—they bury them in the ground, as what was once part of the body must be returned to the Earth. In Turkey, lost teeth can be used to convey parents’ expectations to their children. For example, if they want their child to be a doctor, they might bury the teeth near a hospital.

2Bushido And Seppuku

Bushido, the warrior code of Japan, emphasizes strength, loyalty, and integrity. Some analysts and academics have recommended its implementation in the world of business, given the many irregularities that have faced corporations in the past and present. Conducting business inspired by bushido means working effectively and honestly, with the best interests of your superiors and the public in mind.

Seppuku, or ritual suicide as an alternative to defeat introduced by samurai, has a less vaunted reputation. It was particularly vilified in the wake of World War II, when thousands of Japanese soldiers carried on the practice by choosing to take their lives rather than surrender, but it continues to this day in many parts of Asia. Notable instances include the suicides of Yukio Mishima while protesting Japan’s military policies in 1970 and Masaharu Nonaka after he was laid off by his company in 1999.

In Korea, many people feel unbearable guilt and shame in the wake of great tragedy and see no other choice but to end their lives. When the MV Sewol sunk on April 16, 2014 and left hundreds of students dead or missing, the vice principal was so intensely plagued by guilt that he committed suicide.

1The Haka

The haka is a tradition of the Maori people of New Zealand. The spectacle involves menacing facial expressions, grunting, guttural howling, loud chanting, stomping, clapping, chest-thumping, and tongue-wagging intended to strike awe and fear into the tribe’s opponents.

Today, it is most often seen when it is performed by New Zealand’s national sports teams. Their rugby team, the All Blacks, perform the haka on the field prior to a match, as seen in the video above. During the 2014 FIBA tournament, the basketball team nicknamed the “Tall Blacks” performed the haka much to the bewilderment and surprise of their US opponents.

But the haka is more than just a war dance or a challenge for a fight. It can also invoke poetry and art detailing the history and the lore of the tribe, or be used to communicate peace, a welcome greeting, or a show of respect. One example is a moment that occurred after the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed on the island and included many local actors. Viggo Mortensen was known for performing many death-defying stunts that earned him the respect of the team, so on his last day of filming, the Kiwi cast performed a haka for him and another crew member.

Jo is fascinated by various cultural traditions across the globe. Do you partake in any unique to your nation? Let him know via email.

In a world full of diverse interests and passions, it’s no surprise that people have formed clubs and societies to celebrate even the most peculiar and niche hobbies. From exclusive high-IQ groups to secretive dining organizations, here are ten oddly specific clubs that you might be able to join.

Related: 10 Historical Dining Clubs That Will Put You Off Your Food

10 The Giga Society

In a world where intelligence comes in all shapes and sizes, a club caters to the super-elite thinkers: The Giga Society. While Mensa might be the go-to for those with high IQs, the Giga Society takes exclusivity to a new level. To be considered for membership, you must have an IQ in the top 0.0000001% of the population. This isn’t your everyday IQ test; the Giga Society uses the Cattell III B test to challenge even the most brilliant minds.

With just a handful of members scattered worldwide, this club isn’t for the faint of intellect. It’s a gathering of some of the sharpest minds, a group that thrives on solving the world’s most complex puzzles. The society was founded in 1966 by Dr. Paul Cooijmans, a Dutch psychologist known for his work in intelligence testing. Driven by a fascination with cognitive abilities beyond the norm, he established the Giga Society as the pinnacle of intellectual achievement.

Membership not only grants access to a network of extraordinary thinkers but also opens doors to exclusive events and forums where members engage in discussions that push the boundaries of human understanding. The society’s emphasis on the Cattell III B test underscores its commitment to identifying minds capable of grappling with the most intricate enigmas, cementing its reputation as the ultimate enclave for cognitive virtuosos.

9 The Seven Society

When it comes to secret societies, the Seven Society stands out as an enigma wrapped in kindness. Founded at the University of Virginia in the late 1800s, this group is dedicated to anonymous acts of goodwill and charity. What sets them apart is their distinctive calling card: the number “7,” often appearing in unexpected places across the campus. Members remain hidden, their identities known only to themselves and perhaps a select few, fueling rumors and fascination.

The Seven Society has been responsible for significant donations to scholarships and charitable causes, leaving a trail of positivity in its wake. Their impact extends far beyond the university grounds, from funding innovative research projects to contributing to disaster relief efforts. The allure of secrecy combined with the thrill of making a difference adds a layer of intrigue to this society. It reminds us that behind closed doors, some quietly strive to leave the world a better place while maintaining an air of mystique.

Over the years, the society’s acts of benevolence have taken various forms, including grants to struggling students facing financial hardships and discreet assistance to local community initiatives. Their commitment to remaining entirely anonymous has resulted in countless speculations regarding their membership, leading to a campus-wide guessing game that only deepens the mystique surrounding the society. The legacy of the Seven Society serves as a reminder that even in a digital age, true acts of kindness can be carried out selflessly, evoking curiosity and inspiring others to embrace empathy and make a positive impact in their own ways.

8 Club 33

For Disney devotees, Club 33 is a dream realized. Nestled within Disney parks worldwide, this exclusive club offers a touch of luxury to the Magic Kingdom. With limited membership spots and a considerable annual fee, Club 33 offers a haven for those who seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. This unique establishment holds an intriguing history, having been conceived by Walt Disney himself as a hidden oasis for VIP guests.

Behind its unassuming facade, Club 33 houses an elegant retreat where members can indulge in fine dining and special events. It’s an opportunity to experience the enchantment of Disney with a dash of sophistication. The interior is adorned with rare Disney memorabilia and artistic touches, immersing members in a realm of creativity and opulence.

Moreover, membership grants access to the club’s amenities and offers unique park privileges like expedited ride access and backstage tours, allowing enthusiasts to delve even deeper into the Disney enchantment. Whether you’re dining on exquisite cuisine in its lavishly decorated chambers or sipping a crafted cocktail on its private balcony overlooking the park, Club 33 unfurls an extraordinary dimension of the Disney experience.

7 The Beefsteak Club

The Beefsteak Club holds a special place in the annals of culinary eccentricities. Born in 18th-century London, this gastronomic society celebrates excess and camaraderie with a peculiar twist. Imagine feasting on copious amounts of steak while donning traditional garb: blue tailcoats, yellow waistcoats, and white cravats.

The Beefsteak Club harks back to a time of indulgence and revelry, a society where men could savor the pleasures of meat and company. While it might seem odd in today’s health-conscious world, it captures a slice of history where culinary extravagance was celebrated. The club’s rituals go beyond the gastronomic; they include toasting the meat by drinking port wine from peculiar elongated glasses called “yard of ale” glasses, adding a playful element to the proceedings.

This unique culinary haven reveals the importance of tradition and continuity. The club’s membership is passed down through generations, maintaining a sense of heritage and exclusivity. It showcases how the spirit of camaraderie and shared experience can bridge the gap between centuries.

6 Project Steve

Science and humor come together in Project Steve, a delightful nod to scientific endeavors. This playful response to organizations that use lists of scientists to promote their agendas is exclusively for scientists with names like Steve, Stephanie, or Stephen, who endorse the theory of evolution.

The quirkiness of Project Steve extends beyond its criteria. Highlighting the significant number of scientists named Steve who support evolution—now numbering over 1,500—it humorously underscores the robust consensus among experts. This ever-growing list playfully showcases the diversity of Steves in the scientific community, highlighting their collective dedication to evolutionary biology.

Moreover, Project Steve subverts the tactics of those who misuse lists to lend credibility to unscientific claims. By focusing exclusively on a single, specific name, this project humorously exposes the fallacies of such practices, revealing the absurdity of drawing conclusions based on names rather than expertise.

5 The Alfalfa Club

In politics, the Alfalfa Club adds a dash of satire to the mix, infusing a lighthearted touch into the often serious realm of Washington, D.C. This annual gathering, rooted in tradition since 1913, brings together a vibrant blend of political leaders, business magnates, and celebrities, creating an eclectic tapestry of personalities. Named after the unassuming alfalfa plant known for its unremarkable growth, the Alfalfa Club cleverly mirrors this humility by playfully embracing those who don’t take themselves too seriously.

The centerpiece of the club’s activities is its renowned black-tie dinner, where wit and jest take center stage alongside camaraderie. This event is a melting pot of influential figures and cutting-edge humor as attendees engage in good-natured ribbing and jestful banter. The Alfalfa Club’s distinctiveness lies in its ability to offer a rare respite from the gravitas of politics, allowing heavyweight politicians to shed their formal personas and revel in shared laughter.

Beyond its surface fun, the Alfalfa Club subtly underscores the human side of political leaders, demonstrating that even the most influential figures have a capacity for joy and camaraderie. This facet is essential in breaking down the walls of formality and fostering connections that extend beyond policy debates.

4 The 300 Club

In the realm of frigid challenges, the 300 Club indisputably claims the icy throne. Nestled within Antarctica’s unforgiving embrace lies the McMurdo Station, home to this audacious club that beckons its members to a test of mettle in the most unorthodox manner. As temperatures plummet to an unthinkable -100°F (-73°C), participants shed their layers, embarking on a madcap sprint encircling the South Pole. But this audacity doesn’t end there. No, it’s merely the prelude to the heart of this chilling endeavor.

With a staggering temperature differential of 300 degrees, contenders catapult themselves from the polar freeze into the embrace of a blistering sauna, where temperatures soar to a searing 200°F (93°C). Such a feat necessitates nerves honed from steel and an insatiable thirst for adventure bordering on the reckless. This ritual is nothing short of a tribute to the unwavering resolve of humanity and its propensity to welcome the extraordinary, even within the icy clutches of adversity.

The 300 Club is a living testament to those who discover rapture in stretching their boundaries, unshackled by even the most hostile environments. It embodies the spirit of those who dare to flirt with their limitations, using them as launchpads into new realms of exhilaration.

3 The 20-Minute Society

In a world where time often rules our lives, the 20-Minute Society invites us to embrace spontaneity. This unconventional club encourages members to gather for impromptu activities within a tight 20-minute timeframe. From picnics to frisbee games, the goal is to inject excitement into routines and relish unexpected moments.

The 20-Minute Society captures living in the present and finding joy in the unplanned. It reminds us that life is full of fleeting opportunities, and sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that catch us by surprise. In a world of hectic schedules, this club encourages us to pause, connect, and savor the magic of spontaneity.

2 The Bilderberg Club

When it comes to conspiracy theories, the Bilderberg Club reigns as a magnet for speculation. This annual conference gathers a select group of around 130 influential figures from Europe and North America. Discussions are held behind closed doors, sparking intrigue and questions about potential global influence.

While the Bilderberg Club asserts that it’s a forum for informal discussions, its air of mystery continues to fuel curiosity. It reminds us that even in our interconnected world, some gatherings are still shrouded in secrecy. The Bilderberg Club invites us to ponder the complexities of power, influence, and the intrigue that often surrounds the elite.

1 The Dracula Society

The Dracula Society, founded in 1973 by Dr. Donald A. Reed, is an organization dedicated to studying, appreciating, and celebrating vampire literature, film, and culture. Focusing on Bram Stoker’s iconic character Count Dracula, the society delves into the various interpretations and adaptations of vampires in media.

The society serves as a meeting point for enthusiasts, scholars, and fans, providing a platform for discussions, screenings, lectures, and events related to vampire folklore and literature. Members often engage in conversations about the evolution of vampire mythology, the symbolism behind these creatures of the night, and their influence on pop culture.

Over the years, the society has expanded its scope to encompass a broader range of vampire-related topics, including literature, art, history, and folklore worldwide. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for all things vampiric, the Dracula Society keeps the legacy of Count Dracula alive while appreciating the broader cultural impact of these captivating and immortal creatures.