Vampire off revenants—are common in vampire folklore. Garlic is a common example, a branch of wild rose and hawthorn plant are said to harm vampires, and in Europe, sprinkling mustard seeds on the roof of a house was said to keep them away. Other apotropaics include sacred items, for example a crucifix, rosary, or holy water. Vampires are said to be unable to walk on consecrated ground, such as that of churches or temples, or cross running water. Although not traditionally regarded as an apotropaic, mirrors have been used to ward off vampires when placed, facing outwards, on a door (in
Coesfeld Cross grew. In 1359, a fund paying an annual sum of two shillings was established in order to finance the votive candles burnt in honour of the Coesfeld Cross, and, from 1425, a Confraternity of the Holy Cross is recorded. Even in the religious turmoil of the 16th century reform-minded pastors were unable to prevent ordinary folk from continuing to venerate the cross. The initial decline in its ritual worship began with the attacks of Spanish and Dutch mercenaries on the western Münsterland during the time of the Eighty Years' War and consequent plundering and impoverishment of the population. A low