Let There Be Spring… The Romanian Way!

– A two part story –

One swallow might not make a spring, but two Romanian celebrations do!

In Romania, the arrival of spring is announced by a tandem of very special moments: “Dragobete Day” and the “Mărțișor”.

Part one: Dragobete Day

“Dragobete Day” takes place on February 24^th, and is considered the traditional version of the much more famous Valentine’s Day. One thing you will very quickly discover when travelling in Romania is that people are equally open to international ideas, values and customs, as well as keeping their local ones. And February probably gives the best proof of this attitude, as Romanians celebrate love twice – only 10 days away, and with the same joy!

Should you be wondering, “Dragobete” is actually a mythical hero – an ancient representation of the sweet torment of falling in love.

As a myth, Dragobete is very similar to the child-god Eros, bringing the first thrills of love to young girls. That is why Dragobete is also known as ‘Năvalnicul’ / “The Wild One”, son of Dochia (a female deity who in turn reminds of the Roman goddess Venus).

First and foremost, Dragobete is a harbinger of spring (the day is also traditionally called “cap de primăvară”, which translates as “the start of spring”). It is, therefore, a ritual celebration of vitality and natural rebirth.

In times of yore, Dragobete Day was the moment when love engagements were made. Young people, boys and girls alike, set out in the morning in search of the first spring flowers. Wearing festive, traditional clothing, they roamed the meadows and forests, singing and rejoicing, and somewhere around noon, the ritual of ‘flying’ began: the moment when the girls were starting to run towards the village, and the boys were trying to catch them in order to steal a kiss. If the girl liked a boy, she let herself be caught, and then they both went to the village, announcing that they were engaged.

There was not a single soul who would not participate in the ritual, for it was said that they would be punished by the Dragobete to remain single all year round…

On Dragobete Day, maidens of the olden days picked the last snow of winter, melted it, and then used it to cast spells of love. Nowadays, every couple must kiss for Dragobete!

Whereas the Dragobete Day announces spring through the charms of love, the moment that truly opens the new season in Romania is the “Mărțișor“ day – taking place on the 1^st of March.

to be continued…

P.S. If you’re curious to learn more about traveling to Romania (whether you are keen to discover Transylvania, explore Maramures, Bucovina or the Danube Delta), e-mail me to get a free sample itinerary.