Cuvântul de Gorj

...And now, for all of you....don't forget, it comes spring time, time of rising, recovering the most special aspect of life-the love. It's time to look around and at the sky, at the miracle of life everywhere... In many Romanian traditional songs we find the power to touch the sky that comes from love... Just remember Ponoare... Concerning this great feeling, we Romanians have 4 important spring holidays and this year we want to share joy with our beneficiaries.
24 'th of February – “Dragobetele”
In Romania Valentine's Day as its called "Dragobete" is and old tradition, a celebration of love, youth and birth. The legend tells us that the "Dragobete” is the son of "Dochia" that was kissing the girls in the villages and today is a day of celebration and happiness. Young boys and girls gather around and tell stories and play games near the burning fires. It is known as "the day when the birds are getting engaged". The girls run down the hills and the boys will chaise the girls they like to win a kiss. This day is supposed to protect one from fever which produces shivers and illness. If the weather allows it, girls and boys are supposed to pick snowdrops or other early spring plants for someone they are courting.
The village communities where very interested about the new couples because they could tell what weddings will arrive in the fall or the next year. The tradition tells us that "Dragobetele" will help the village in the new year, will bring love and happiness. Wherever you are in the world, I am sure that on this occasion you will hold your loved one, bring a smile, a flower or join a festival of celebration, it's the beginning of a new year, and new hopes for the future…
1'st March - MARTISOR
Another very important traditional holiday is "Martisor" – the symbol of spring. In March everybody hangs on their collar two knitted white and red ropes, which symbolize nature’s revival.
the 8'th of March - Mother's Day

A lot of traditional events in our country represent an amalgam of elements characteristic to the agricultural, religious and civil calendars, a mixture that was transformed in a permanent source of goodwill, warmth and hospitality. During the holidays, guests can participate in a range of cultural events: concerts "Martisor", "Ciresar,etc., performances, parades, mass manifestations on Independence Day, on towns or villages’ Day, etc. On Harvest Days traditional fairs are organized in towns and villages. Especially during these holidays, tourists can get closer to the national folk and handicraft art.
On 19'th of February began the Lent untill the Resurrection of IISUS HRISTOS-PASTI (on 8'th April and it's lasts 3 days of Holiday). In Spring the most important holiday for our people is the Easter religions holiday. For this celebration people prepare in good time, they cook special food: Easter cake and painted eggs and the best wine. In the course of time the painted eggs have become a handicraft art.
As you find, in Romania are many facts and events, all being very interesting, some even unique in the world or unknown by tourists. We have presented here something about this traditions.
As you saw, romanian people are friendly and hospitable - "here are no strangers, only friends you haven't meet yet".

Best lovely wishes,
Carmen, Marcel, Costel, Lory, Catalin and all beneficiaries....of Word of Gorj Foundation.