Ciaran O’Keeffe, who has appeared on the popular TV show ‘Most Haunted’ as a paranormal investigator, believes the garlic scent makes Brits feel more in charge of their safety
Spooky season is in full swing, with the nation revealing its odd habits that make it feel safe against otherworldly beings. And Brits aren’t taking any chances this year.
A new survey commissioned by Papa Johns has found that six in 10 people recite incantations to keep supernatural creatures away. The mystic method ranked as the number one defence – with women more likely to use it.
Meanwhile, it appears British blokes are willing to potentially sacrifice their love lives by admitting that they carry stinky garlic to deter vampires. Carrying protective charms such as a crucifix was also a popular routine, with 57% of Brits choosing to have one on their person.
In third place overall was using garlic, with just over half of the nation carrying the scent. However, the beloved vegetable was much more popular with gents – with 58% using it, in comparison to just 44% of women.
The mind-boggling results were exposed by Papa Johns ahead of the release of its latest product: Garlic Gum. The limited-edition chewing gum is based on the brand’s cult-favourite special garlic dip, ‘balancing bold, savoury flavour’ with ‘just enough sweetness for those brave enough to try’ and is designed as the ultimate trick or treat.
Vampires are a staple of Halloween and even one of the nation’s biggest supernatural fears. The fanged fiends came in eighth place on Brits’ top 10 list of most feared beings – with 16% spooked by the blood-suckers.
A leading parapsychologist has also lifted the lid on why cautious blokes believe garlic to be a solid defence against the paranormal. Ciaran O’Keeffe, who has appeared on the popular TV show ‘Most Haunted’ as a paranormal investigator, believes the scent makes Brits feel more in charge.
He said: “Our belief in ghosts and other supernatural beings stems from a core human desire to find meaning in what feels random.
“During stressful times, many people find comfort in the idea that there’s something beyond the physical world – it offers reassurance and even a sense of purpose.
“The use of garlic as protection against vampires has existed across countless cultures – from Ancient Roman soldiers who believed it offered protection in battle, to traditions that credit its strong smell with warding off evil.”
Brits can be in with a chance of getting their hands on Garlic Gum for free at papajohnsgarlicgum.com, available from today until Friday, 31st October.
A Papa Johns spokesperson said: “Our ‘Devotion to the Dough’ knows no (grave) bounds, and this Halloween we chew to go the extra mile. Garlic Gum is our ghoulish treat for die-hard garlic dip fans who want their favourite flavour on their lips all day long.
“It’s wickedly weird and just garlicky enough to make even Dracula think twice.”
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