Romania is a country rich in traditions, folklore, and fascinating superstitions. While younger generations may not always believe in them, many Romanians still follow these customs “just in case.” If you’re moving to Romania, don’t be surprised if someone warns you about one of these!

1. Never Put Your Bag on the Floor
Many Romanians believe that placing your handbag, backpack, or wallet on the floor will bring financial bad luck. According to the superstition, your money will “disappear” just as easily as your bag touches the ground.
2. Never Give Someone an Empty Wallet
Giving someone an empty wallet is considered unlucky. If you’re offering a wallet as a gift, it’s customary to place at least a coin or a banknote inside so the recipient will always have money.
3. Sleep with Basil Under Your Pillow
On the night before Epiphany [Bobotează] (January 6th), unmarried girls traditionally place a sprig of basil under their pillow. According to Romanian folklore, they will dream about the person they are destined to marry.
4. Keep Money in Your Pocket on New Year’s Eve
Many Romanians believe that having money in your pocket when the New Year begins will bring financial prosperity throughout the year. Starting the year “empty-handed” is considered bad luck.
5. Wear Something Red on New Year’s Eve
Wearing red is believed to bring luck, happiness, love, and protection from negative energy in the year ahead. That’s why many people choose at least one red accessory or piece of clothing for New Year’s celebrations.
6. Don’t Sit at the Corner of the Table
One of Romania’s best-known superstitions says that if you sit at the corner of a table, you’ll have trouble getting married—or you might never marry at all. It’s often joked about during family gatherings, especially when younger people take that seat.
7. Never Sew Clothes While Wearing Them
If you need to repair a shirt or dress while you’re still wearing it, tradition says you should keep a piece of thread in your mouth. Otherwise, people say you’ll “sew your mind shut,” becoming forgetful or less sharp.
8. Eat the End of the Bread
Children are often encouraged to eat the heel of the bread because, according to tradition, it will make their future mother-in-law love them. No one really knows where the belief comes from—but almost every Romanian has heard it at least once.
9. Itchy Palms Mean Money
If your right palm itches, it’s said you’ll soon receive money. If your left palm itches, you’ll probably have to spend or give money away. Even people who don’t believe in superstitions often smile when this happens.
10. Never Turn Back Once You’ve Left Home
Forgot something after leaving the house? According to Romanian superstition, turning back brings bad luck for the rest of the day. Some people believe you can “break the curse” by looking in a mirror before leaving again.

Whether you believe in them or not, these superstitions are an important part of Romanian culture and have been passed down from generation to generation. You might hear them from grandparents, parents, or even young people who jokingly follow them “just to be safe.”

If you’re coming to Romania as an Erasmus student or expat, don’t be surprised if a Romanian friend reminds you not to put your bag on the floor—or insists that you keep a coin in your new wallet.

After all, a little extra luck never hurts!