Romanian culture bears the signature of both European Classical and Oriental cultures. Being essentially a traditional pastoral country, it also has a parallel in popular culture, which is both earthy and vibrant, rich in folklore. Urban culture developed around monasteries and the royal courts, and dealt with theosophy, ethics and jurisprudence. Among the cultural giants at the turn of the 18th century was Dimitre Cantemir, whose writings on the Turkish Empire earned a lot of fame.



A notable example of the folk tradition of Romania is reflected in the ballad "Miorita", which typifies the belief in destiny that is inherent in Romanian culture. It is taught in junior school to expose young children to the traditions of their country. The story goes like this. Once upon a time there were three shepherds. Two of them became jealous of the third and decided to get him killed. He was informed of the murder plot by one of his sheeps, but instead of trying to save his life, he accepted his fate stoically and let it be known that he should be buried in the meadows to be with his sheep and his faithful dogs forever.

Romanian culture has also been influenced by the cultures of different people, who have ruled over Romania. From the Romans, the Hungarians, to the Austrians and the Turks, Romanian culture has imbibed a lot of elements to make it a cultural melting pot. It also has some French influence, owing to the French education received by a number of students, who went to study in France during the 19th century.

In Romania culture is also widespread. Ask any person on the street and they will recite fluently the poems of Mihai Eminescu, the most renowned of all Romanian poets. They could also quote from the plays of Ion Luca Caragiale, the greatest Romanian playwright. Caragiale was famous for his tongue in cheek depiction of Romanian society with all its corruption, pretense, loudness and absurdity. His writings are considered particularly relevant today, especially with regard to the politics of the day.

Then there is the immortal literature for children penned by Ion Cranega. He was a master storyteller, whose book "Childhood Memories" is considered to be a universal children's book and is read to all Romanian children. It is said that every child can find something to relate in the writings of Cranega.

Romanian culture has produced musicians like George Enescu, painters of the stature of Nicolae Grigorescu and the sculptor Constantin Branusi. The fame of musician Georghe Zamfir has spread far and wide; he has mesmerized the whole world with his pan flute.

Finally, it can be said that Romania is a country of spiritually inclined people, who have faith in God's Grace and have passed on love for their priceless culture down the generations. That culture is inculcated in their young at an early age, by the mothers singing lullabies as they comfort their babies, and by the school curriculum, which teaches children the values that people cherish.