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!
Congratulations on having this story published in Romania Insider. It is a very creepy, beautifully written and lyrical spooky story. It certainly captivated me and made my hairs stand. It is a great story. I have to admit I did not know about November 30, Saint Andrews Day. As far as I know it is not a holiday in neither Sweden nor the US.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and that it managed to give you a bit of a chill—exactly what I was hoping for! Saint Andrew’s Day is such a fascinating tradition in Romania, blending Christian elements with older, pre-Christian beliefs. It’s celebrated on November 30th and has this wonderful mix of reverence and superstition.
In Romania, whose Patron Saint he is, it’s not only about the saint himself but also about the mysterious customs associated with the night, like guarding against spirits or divining the future. It’s a little slice of folklore that feels timeless.
I love hearing that the story resonated with you and sparked some curiosity about these traditions. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts—it truly means a lot!
HI Patricia, this is a beautifully descriptive story. I enjoyed it very much. It reminded me of the beginning of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Thank you so much, Roberta. It must be the 1st person POV and the use of nature as a character, I think. Well, I am glad it did. 🙂