The „BAROMETRUL Informat.ro – INSCOP Research” study titled „România între Magie și Ezoterie” was conducted by INSCOP Research on behalf of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank. This research seeks to illuminate the beliefs surrounding magic and esotericism in Romania, and presents insightful data on public perceptions of superstitions.
You can view the graphical presentation of the data here: [BAROMETRUL Informat.ro – INSCOP Research – „România între Magie și Ezoterie”]. Additionally, a full video presentation can be accessed through this link.
One of the notable superstitions examined relates to the belief surrounding black cats. According to the survey, 15.8% of Romanians think that encountering a black cat on their path will bring them bad luck. In contrast, a significant majority, 82.7%, do not subscribe to this belief, while 1.5% of respondents are either uncertain or chose not to comment.
The belief in this particular superstition appears to have demographic trends. For instance, it is more commonly held among AUR voters, individuals under the age of 30, and those with only primary education. Conversely, disbelief is particularly prevalent among USR and PNL voters, individuals with higher education, residents of larger urban areas, and public sector employees.
Data for this research were collected between October 6 and October 10, 2025. The study utilized a questionnaire-based interview methodology, specifically employing Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). The sample consisted of 1,100 respondents, ensuring representativeness across key socio-demographic categories, including sex, age, and occupation for the non-institutionalized population of Romania aged 18 and older. The results hold a maximum margin of error of ±2.95% at a 95% confidence level.
This analysis highlights the varied beliefs among the Romanian populace regarding superstitions and provides a snapshot of cultural attitudes towards traditional beliefs versus modern perspectives. The findings suggest that education and urbanization play significant roles in shaping perceptions of superstitisons.
Overall, this research sheds light on the intersections between culture, tradition, and modernity, illustrating how different segments of society engage with historical beliefs. While some cling to long-standing superstitions, many reject these notions, reflecting a broader movement towards rationality and skepticism in contemporary Romanian society.
Through this study, the evolving landscape of belief in Romania is vividly captured, offering pertinent insights for policymakers, educators, and cultural analysts interested in the intricate tapestry of Romanian life, blending magic and esotericism with the forces of modernity. The full data and graphical representation are essential resources for anyone researching the complex relationship between superstition and contemporary beliefs in Romania.
