Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
Each year, as 1 March arrives, Romanians welcome spring with Mărțișor, a red-and-white thread woven with luck, renewal, and tradition. More than just a symbol, it carries the weight of history, binding generations through its delicate strands.
Read the full Threads of Mărțișor story here. 🙂 I am so excited to share this tale with you!
Continue reading “1 March, Magic Threads of Mărțișor: a Tale of Fate, Tradition and New Beginnings”
For centuries, the white storks migrated witnessing humanity’s triumphs and tragedies unfold beneath its wings. From the old African tribes to the sacred temples of Egypt and the battlefields of the Levant; from the grandeur of Ottoman palaces to the villages of Romania, the white storks have traveled through space and time. They carry no bias, no memory of war or peace. Only the rhythm of migration and the promise of return. And so, when it takes flight again, it remains, as ever, a silent witness to the world’s unfolding tale.
Yesterday, on the 21st of February, we witnessed the white storks taking flight on their migratory journey. Let’s join them.
Continue reading “Where the White Storks Migrate, Folktales and Histories Along their Path”
Long ago, before the land bore the marks of iron and stone, the first people of the great southern lands spoke of a tree unlike any other—the Lilly Pilly. It was said that this tree had been a gift from the Spirit of the Waters who moved unseen through the world, whispering wisdom to those who listened.
Continue reading “The Legend of the Lilly Pilly and How to Make This Delicious Jam”
From the moment I learned to read, and even before that, I was drawn to stories. During my highschool years in Bucharest, between chemical formulas and physical vectors, I would write about fictional characters and dreamed locations. The legends and folktales of Romania’s past influenced my tales—the same narratives I had heard as a child, the same words that had stoked my passion for writing stories.
Continue reading “Discover Why We STILL Tell Stories”
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!
