By R.U. Steinberg

NOVEMBER 2, 1998: 

The Irish used to re-bury suspected vampire corpses face down so that they would dig themselves to Hell.

The Halloween tradition of bobbing for apples originated with the Druids, who would practice it as part of a divination technique. It was believed that if one could successfully fetch an apple, they would be guaranteed a prosperous year.

The "mare" in the word "nightmare" doesn't refer to a horse but rather to a spirit believed to sit on one's chest causing dreams.

The first person known to use Frankenstein as a surname was Knight Arbogast Von Frankenstein, around the year 500. One theory is that the real "Dr. Frankenstein" was Johann Konrad Dippel, born in 1673 at Castle Frankenstein. He fancied himself an alchemist and did many bizarre experiments.

Some anthropologists believe that goose bumps are a result of human evolution related to how people's hair stands on end when they are threatened.

The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants at mrpants@auschron.com.

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