An interesting custom found in parts of Transylvania is 'the wedding of the dead'. If a young person dies before they can get married, they are placed in their coffin dressed as a bride or bridegroom, with the coffin being decorated with flowers. A mock wedding is then performed, with the deceased being married to an effigy, a tree, or a living person who takes on the role of spouse. This custom is thought to be an attempt to stop the deceased returning as a vampire or ghost, due to the feeling that they have 'unfinished business'. #folklore #gothic #vampires #death #ghosts #paranormal #mythology