Patricia Furstenberg, Author of Historical Fiction, Kids Books
Travel Through Stories
Enjoy this advent calendar inspired by whimsical winter traditions from the folklore of Romania. I hope that you will return each day until Christmas Eve to open another door, for a new surprise.
Continue reading “Whimsical Winter & Folklore of Romania, an Advent Calendar”
On the Night of Saint Andrew, on wolves’ night, in Romanian folklore it is believed that the boundary between the living world and the realm of the dead becomes blurred. Troublesome spirits, known as strigoii, moroii, or vampires, are said to roam the villages, especially the crossroads, tormenting the living and even inflict harm.
Continue reading “On the Night of Saint Andrew, on Wolves’ Night #Im4Ro”
‘Knock-knock,’ I chuckle to myself as I knock on the wooden closet, ‘the work on my next book is going so well, touch the wood!’ And ‘mum’s the word!’ ~ Am I being irrational by succumbing to a positive superstitious belief? Or do I actually improve my performance in a subsequent task by engaging in such credulous thoughts and behaviors? Never mind keeping to a rigorous writing schedule! It feels magical, so it’s got to be, right? 😉
Continue reading “Knock-Knock, Opening a Door on ‘Touch Wood’”
I love to discover the bare bones of an old church and the rare and ancient Densuş Church is a treat!
The enigmatic Densuş Church is located at a short distance from Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, once the heartbeat of the sprawling Roman Empire in Dacia. Its eons-old presence calls like a closely kept secret, attracting the interest of historians worldwide… Because within its revered walls is a tapestry made from the threads of history, shrouded in skepticism, and rich with the echoes of ages past.
Continue reading “Bare Bones, Exploring the Rare and Old Densuş Church”
Today we unveil the shadows of the past, taking a historical journey into Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in spellbinding Transylvania. I am taking this trip to understand the main character of the book series I write.
I’ll attempt to shed a light on the ancient pagan traditions of Transylvania, Romania, its rich folklore and supernatural practices. I’ll take a peek at the local cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft, at the witchcraft hysteria that seized Europe and choked Transylvania too, followed by witchcraft persecution and witch-hunting methods, as well as the impact that witch-hunting had on communities. I’ll touch on notable witch trials in Transylvania, and – how else – look into local witch legends and stories.
Continue reading “Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Transylvania, a Historical Journey”