National traditions of Romania. Habits, mentality and the way of living

In the history of Romania, there is a mixture of traditions of Greek, Slavic, English and Muslim cultures. This colorful mixture of national characteristics of these different countries creates a unique charm that makes an impression on tourists. Like many Southern nations, the Romanians adore music. Traditional folklore songs are called frets, which are sung as lullabies, rituals and lyric songs. Traditionally, summer months in this Agrarian Southern Country is announced by melodious songs of Shepherds and field workers. Most of the holidays historically go back to the cycle of fieldwork.

National holidays in the country like joc, are celebrated with traditional group dances and songs. To this day, people love authentic dances in national costumes: Hora, Invertita and Briul.

The New Year in Romania is often called a “small Christmas” and is magnificently celebrated with a rich meal filled with meat dishes and desserts. In the evening of Christmas Eve, each family traditionally lights a candle in front of the icon of Christ and it is left to burn until morning, guarding the house from evil spirits. In the past, all the inhabitants of the home comprising of household members and even Cattles, were coated with garlic and melted lard to protect the home from the devil’s touch. Now, this tradition is a thing of the past, preserved only in some remote settlements of the country. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Plugusorul is the traditional carols in Romania dating back to the distant past of this country. In ancient times, only children from the poorest families participated in songs and dances around houses, for which they were given sweets or money. Nowadays, anyone can become a Plougurash as this tradition has turned into general fun with dances to national songs.

Modern Romania likes to conduct various thematic festivals. For example, traditional winter festival is held every year in Sfantu - Gheorghe. It includes songs, dances, and folk festivals. In autumn (in September), Romanians organize festivals for catching carp, not forgetting to note the successful catch by a magnificent meal. The country is also rich in film festivals such as the Transilvania International Film Festival and Sibiu International Theatre Festival which are held annually. Music enthusiasts will like the Pop Music Festival in Tulce, the Art Festival in Brasov, as well as the Spring Festival in Hoteniya. Romanians being modest and unpretentious in their everyday life, often use low tables for dinner, placing everything they need on them. To this day, citizens of the country have no particular likeness for bright colors, fur vests and long sleeveless jackets.

The cheerful and carefree Romanian people are hospitable, generous to treats, and love long holidays. Like many Southerners, the people of Romania are always happy to welcome guests and are ready to feed them with the most delicious food. Everyone, from the residents of rich houses to modest inhabitants of low cost new buildings will be happy with a long sit-in with guests. A traditional Romanian wedding lasts for three days, with the ceremony accompanied with drinking, song renditions and national dances. The people in the country still practice folk handicrafts and love designing their homes with traditional decorations. Most Romanians are engaged in some kind of craft as a hobby. This is usually in the form of pottery or embroidery. In some villages, home-made weaving is still very popular.

For instance, it is quite common to find the entrance of Romanian houses richly decorated with paintings, and the interior walls adorned with hanging carved wooden figures. One of the walls in the room is usually given the title of “red corner” and is abundantly decorated with icons. Majority of Romanians are Orthodox Christians who observe religious holidays quite zealously. In general, the traditions and customs of this Agrarian country retain a cozy and hospitable rural flavor, not succumbing to the influence of urbanization and globalization.