Zână (plural Zâne) is the Romanian equivalent of the Greek Charites. They are the opposite of monsters like Muma Padurii. These characters make positive appearances in fairy tales and reside mostly in the woods. They can also be considered the Romanian equivalent of fairies and can also be considered the equivalent of the Germanic Elf.
They give life to fetuses in utero and bestow upon them great gifts like the art of dancing, beauty, kindness, and luck. In folk tales, it is told not to upset them because they have also the power to do bad things or put a curse on the wrongdoer. They are like guardian angels, especially for children who enter the woods or for other good people.
Zână means "beauty". She is the one whom has all the beauty, and is the one that gives it away.
Zână is also used in current Romanian slang to refer to an attractive girl, though it is not necessarily the kindest way to do so.
This article relating to a European myth or legend is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
