The study „Romania Between Magic and Esotericism” was conducted by INSCOP Research on behalf of the news platform Informat.ro in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group. This research aimed to explore the beliefs and attitudes surrounding superstitions in Romania.
Data collection took place from October 6 to October 10, 2025, utilizing the CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) method. The sample consisted of 1,100 individuals aged 18 and over, ensuring a representative distribution based on key socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, and occupation. The study’s margin of error is ±2.95%, with a confidence level of 95%. For those interested, graphical presentations of the gathered data are available on the Informat.ro website, and video presentations can be accessed via provided links.
Regarding the confirmation of superstitions, the results reveal that 41.6% of respondents reported personal experiences that validated a superstition, while 55.5% disagreed. A small fraction, 2.9%, did not respond or were unsure. Notably, those who claimed to have experienced a superstition’s affirmation tended to be supporters of the PSD party, individuals under 30, and those aged 45 to 59, as well as people with only primary education residing in Bucharest. Conversely, USR supporters and individuals over 60 were less likely to report such experiences.
When asked about their self-perception of superstition, 17.6% of participants identified as definitively superstitious, while 12.1% leaned towards that belief. In contrast, 20.5% disagreed, and a significant 46.5% did not consider themselves superstitious. Among those who identified as superstitious, there was a predominance of PSD and AUR voters, men, rural dwellers, and people with primary education. On the other hand, USR voters, women, and those with higher education were less likely to view themselves as superstitious.
Addressing which areas of life are impacted by superstitions, 31.1% of respondents believed that superstitions should be heeded particularly in health matters. Other areas included love and relationships (9.9%), career opportunities (9.3%), daily decisions (8.7%), financial matters (7.7%), and exams, interviews, and competitions (3.9%). A notable 6.5% of respondents were unsure or chose not to respond.
Demographically, support for superstitions in health was notably strong among voters of PSD and AUR, individuals over 45, and those with primary education, primarily in rural settings. Younger voters under 30 and those seeking guidance in relationships were inclined to consider superstitions in love-related decisions, particularly among PSD and PNL supporters.
Superstitions in career-related contexts were favored by PNL and AUR voters, individuals with only primary education, and state employees. Young urban individuals and state employees also felt that daily decisions could benefit from superstitious advice. When it comes to financial matters, those inclined to adhere to superstitions included PSD supporters, under-30s, and state employees.
Lastly, for academic contexts, higher-educated individuals and those living in Bucharest believed that superstitions should guide their approaches to exams and interviews. This research highlights the complex relationship between cultural beliefs, education, age, and political affiliation regarding superstitions in Romania, revealing a rich tapestry of perspectives and practices influenced by societal factors.
