No matter how long the winter seemed to be, the cold days are almost over and the feeling that spring is near brings a smile on people’s face. In the parks the snowdrops are present and the street bazaars for 1st March appeared like mushrooms after rain.
Every year, we celebrate the coming of spring with joy and a sense of freedom given only by warm weather. The Romanian customs for welcoming spring months start on February 24, the day for Dragobete – the Romanian feast of love, equal with Valentine’s Day. This is a day that for those who believe in it brings luck, love, peace and an abundant year. Throughout Romania Dragobetele is celebrated by outdoor parties, dancing, playing and especially by symbolic engagements. In the villages, some of which still holding on to the traditions, the girls carefully gather the snow that hasn’t melt from the strawberry leaves, which is believed to have magical properties. Now, there’s an old saying stipulating that those who do not celebrate Dragobetele will be lonely and without love for the rest of the year but we choose to ignore it and blame the long hours at the office for the held up J. I say is better we celebrate the arrival of the most popular season by going out to theater, concerts and cultural events – a good opportunity to have a look to the gift shops and prepare for the 8th March present, the International Women’s Day. For travelers who cannot sit still, for Dragobete you go to Mehedinti County. Here there is a custom called ‘zburătorit’ (chasing day), according to which, at noon, the girls ran back to the village, pursued by men. Obviously, each person pursues his dear one and if you are quick enough and manage to catch her, the tradition requires a public kiss, symbolizing your engagement for at least one year. Finally, there are two things to keep in mind, transmitted from generation to generation for decades:
- do not cry during the Dragobete, it is said by the elders that the tears flowing this day bring bitterness and anger in the months to come
- respect the old Dragobete superstition and meet your beloved one on this day otherwise you will have difficulty in being together.
On the other hand, ignore what you are told and enjoy the day. All it matters is for you to smile and love. The rest are details.
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