The use of magic is also a common element. The Muma Padurii uses magic to trap children. Magic in these stories is not something good but rather something that the evil beings use to harm others. Another aspect is the sense of isolation. Victims in these stories are often alone when they encounter the scary entities. For instance, someone alone at a crossroads may meet the Lady in White. This isolation makes the situation more terrifying as there is no one to help or protect the person.
The Lady in White is a well - known Romanian scary story. She is often seen at crossroads or near old cemeteries. It's said that she was a young woman who died a tragic death. Those who encounter her may experience strange things like sudden coldness, a feeling of being watched, and in some versions, she can lead people astray, causing them to get lost in the woods or in desolate areas.
The Lady of the Lake in Romanian tales is also quite frightening. It is said that there is a mysterious woman who lives in a deep, dark lake. She lures people, especially men, to the water's edge with her beautiful yet eerie singing. Once they get close enough, she drags them into the water and they are never seen again.
The story of the strigoi is very well - known. Strigoi are undead creatures that can be created in different ways, such as if a person dies an unnatural death or is excommunicated. They are feared for their ability to harm the living.
They also tend to have strong moral lessons. Many Romanian bedtime stories teach children about kindness, honesty, and hard work. Like in the story of the hard - working peasant who is rewarded for his honesty by a magical being.
Romanian short stories often have a strong sense of place. They are deeply rooted in the Romanian landscape, whether it's the mountains, plains or small villages. This gives a unique flavor to the stories.
One characteristic is the strong connection to nature. In Romanian Christmas stories, the winter landscape, the snow, and the animals are all important elements. The cold of the season is contrasted with the warmth of the Christmas spirit. Another is the role of faith. Christianity has a big influence, so there are often references to religious symbols and events. Moreover, the stories are often full of heartwarming moments, whether it's a family reuniting, a poor person being helped, or a community coming together to celebrate. This makes them not just stories but also a reflection of the Romanian spirit during Christmas.
A recurring element in Romanian ghost stories is the use of superstition. Things like the power of certain herbs or symbols to ward off ghosts are common. For instance, garlic is often seen as a protective element against malevolent spirits. Also, the idea of the dead not resting easily if they are not properly buried or if their last wishes are not fulfilled. This leads to their spirits becoming restless and causing hauntings. Additionally, the night time is almost always when the supernatural activity occurs, as it is seen as a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest.
In some Romanian adoption horror stories, children were adopted for the wrong reasons. Some families adopted just to get cheap labor. So, the children were made to work long hours doing household chores or other tasks instead of being given an opportunity to grow up in a nurturing environment. This was a huge betrayal of the trust that should be associated with adoption, and it had a very negative impact on the children's development.
One common theme is the supernatural. As we saw with Dracula, Strigoi, and the Muma Padurii, these elements are often central to the stories. Vampires, spirits, and undead creatures are typical of the supernatural in Romanian horror.