Category: Celebrations

Posted on

The History of Christmas Trees in 9 Merry Short Stories

A fir sprig adorned ancient Rome or Dacian blouses; candles on fir trees recalled Christ's star; behind closed doors Christmas traditions endured Communist times.

Explore the history of Christmas trees through nine short stories and let’s be merry time traveling from ancient Rome and Dacia to the Druids and Saint Boniface, through medieval Germany and the Baltic Renaissance. Follow the journey under the glow of Martin Luther’s candles, which also adorned royal Christmas trees, and even hear whispers of those hidden under Romania’s Communist regime. Let us celebrate light and birth on one of the longest and most magical nights of the year.

Continue reading “The History of Christmas Trees in 9 Merry Short Stories”
Posted on

Whispers of Superstition in a Transylvanian Night, Saint Andrew

I’ve prepared a short narrative for the Night of Saint Andrew that explores the deeply ingrained superstitions of Transylvanian culture. The gates between this world and the realm of the dead are said to open on Saint Andrew’s night in Romania. It is thought that restless spirits, also referred to as strigoi, moroi, or vampires, haunt communities, cause problems for the living, and engage in other mischievous activities. On this fateful night, the past and present converge in this tale of superstition, bravery, and encounters with the unknown, all set against the enigmatic and legendary background of Transylvania.

Read now on Romania Insider: Stories from readers: Romanian-born author explores Saint Andrew’s night superstitions in a special story. Enjoy!

Posted on

Romanian Interview on Radio Romania Cultural at Născut în România

Patricia Furstenberg Nascut in Romania Radio Romania Cultural interviu Dana Pitrop

Dragostea mea pentru povești a început la radio.. Vă invit, cu drag, să îmi țineți companie…
***** My love for stories began on the radio. Join me… *****

Născut în România – Invitată: Patricia Furstenberg, scriitoare de origine română stabilită în Africa de Sud (un interviu in limba română / ***** Born in Romania – Guest: Patricia Furstenberg, Romanian-born author based in South Africa***** (an interview in Romanian).

Continue reading “Romanian Interview on Radio Romania Cultural at Născut în România”
Posted on

Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More Than a Setting, It’s a Character in my Books

Bucegi mountains near Bran Pass

Can you imagine that Romania is not merely a setting, but a vital character that breathes life into my published stories included in Transylvania’s History A to Z and Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-word Stories, Folklore and History, but also into my upcoming historical fiction book series? Romania’s mountains and villages, ancient legends and resilient history do more than provide a backdrop—they shape each tale, lending mystery, depth and a sense of timeless resilience.

In the same way a compelling character grows and transforms, Romania’s past and landscape infuse my books with a personality as vivid as any protagonist.

Before I dive into the top five reasons, let’s first unravel what it takes to craft an unforgettable character—and how I did it, how Romania, with all its vibrant spirit and beauty, steps effortlessly into this role.

Continue reading “Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More Than a Setting, It’s a Character in my Books”
Posted on

Hollie Davidson, First Female Referee in Men’s Rugby Test Match, Historic Breakthrough

frozen pink rose in close up photography

As a woman first, a mother and a wife, and as a writer too, I cheer for Hollie Davidson who made rugby union history as the first woman to referee world champions South Africa in a Test match.

But why is Hollie Davidson as first female referee in men’s rugby a historical breakthrough?

Continue reading “Hollie Davidson, First Female Referee in Men’s Rugby Test Match, Historic Breakthrough”