Superstition at core
is a pamphlet for understanding the peculiar behaviours of Romanians. Not limited to the people within those borders, some of these superstitious habits and beliefs can be encountered in neighbouring lands and even as far as Baltic states, making part of a larger ancient communal heritage passed down through generations for hundreds or thousands of years like a beloved cultural heirloom.
„Nu distruge cuibul rândunicii, că vine şi-ţi dă foc la casă"
It is a good omen if a barn swallow builds a nest under one's roof, protecting the home from natural disasters. Therefore, removing it will ensure the wrath of the bird, which will exact revenge by setting fire to that home.
„Pune-ţi castravete-n frunte, ca să fii fruntaş"
Placing the tip of a cucumber on ones forehead will bless them with success in their academic and career endeavors.
„Ia coltucul pâinii! să te iubească soacra"
The best way to ensure a mother in law's love is eating the ends of a loaf of bread
„Nu sta în colţ la masă"
Unmarried folk should never sit at the corner of the table because it will curse them to remain that way.
„Busuioc sub pernă"
Women who wish to dream the face of their future spouse should place basil under their pillow on the 5th of January
„Nu coase pe tine, că-ţi coşi mintea"
One should never patch up clothes while wearing them because they will sew their mind away.
„Deochi"
One should always pretend they spit 3 times should they stare too keenly at someone to prevent twisting their energies. The Evil Eye belief is strongly ingrained in Romanian culture and has many cures involving incantations, burning matches and dropping them in a glass of water, rubbing wrists with vinegar or setting bear hairs on fire.
„Florile în număr par, doar la mort"
Gifting someone an even number of flowers brings death to their door, only odd numbers are appropriate for the living while multiples of 2 are reserved for the departed.
„Nu da cu mătura peste picioare"
Touching an unmarried person's feet with the broom will sweep away their prospects cursing them to remain unmarried.
„Nu pune geanta jos! că e sărăcie"
Placing one's handbag on the floor brings poverty.
„Dacă plouă-n ziua nunţii"
Rain on one's wedding day means that their marriage will be a very happy one.
„Două mirese nu trebuie să se întâlnească"
Two brides should never lay eyes on each other because one of them will suffer an early death. If accidentally brides do meet they must exchange hairpins to dispel the curse.
„Nunta in mai nu se face"
May weddings are bad luck, the couple's love will be blown away by the wind together with the petals of the flowers on the trees.
„Închide geamul! că e curent"
Drafts bring poor health hence windows should only be open on one side of the car at a time.