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Issue 13 Year II, December 2014

IULIANA BĂNCESCU Folk culture, a benchmark of national identity

“SUB ZARE DE SOARE” The Carol Festival in Slobozia

CAROLS IN MARAMUREȘ

ȘERBAN TERȚIU Wooden masks, one of a kind, tradition and handicraft

The “Cămara Sărulești” Association

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

Ministerul Agriculturii și Dezvoltării Rurale Rural Romania – No. 13

REGIONAL OFFICES Support Unit of the National Rural Development Network Table of Contents

BRĂILA 282 Independenţei Blvd., 1st floor, postal code 810124, [email protected] Phone: 0339 732 009, Fax: 0339 732 016 EDITORIAL...... 3 CRAIOVA 19 Libertăţii St., Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, room L-311, 2nd floor, postal code 200421, [email protected] INTERVIEW Phone: 0251 460 377, Fax: 0251 423 651 Iuliana Băncescu: “Folk culture is a benchmark of our national identity, along with the Orthodox faith ZALĂU and the Romanian language”...... 4 49 Kossuth Lajos St., postal code 450010, [email protected] Phone: 0360 404 056, Fax: 0360 404 158 RURAL DEVELOPMENT TÂRGU MUREŞ The magic of winter holidays for Romanians – customs and traditions...... 8 60 Mihai Eminescu St., postal code 540331, [email protected] The carols of yesteryear ...... 14 Phone: 0365 430 349, Fax: 0365 430 351 “Sub zare de soare” – The Carol Festival in Slobozia...... 16 Carols in Țara Maramureșului ...... 20 IAŞI The dance of masks – an ancient custom in Țara Vrancei ...... 24 Ciric Recreational Area – Ciric Recreational Complex, postal code 700064, [email protected] Carollers herald the Birth of our Lord in “Poarta Transilvaniei”...... 26 Phone: 0332 881 281, Fax: 0332 881 282

TIMIŞOARA PEOPLE 53 Take Ionescu Blvd., 2nd floor, office 26, postal code 300074, [email protected] Șerban Terțiu – Wooden masks, one of a kind, tradition and handicraft ...... 30 Phone: 0356 460 982, Fax: 0356 460 983 Artisans carry on the tradition in Țara Maramureșului...... 34

TÂRGOVIŞTE 7A Vărzaru Armaşu St., postal code 130169, usr.sud.muntenia@rndr.ro EXPERIENCES Phone: 0345 100 025, Fax: 0345 100 605 My business: The “Cămara Sărulești” Association ...... 38 My community: The “Valea Mostiștei” Ensemble – promoter of local customs and traditions ...... 41 BUCUREŞTI 39-41 Nicolae Filipescu St., 6th floor, nd2 District, postal code 020961, [email protected] Phone: 0316 900 214, Fax: 0316 900 215 UP-TO-DATE LEADER LAG Sud-Vest Satu Mare ...... 44 The text of this publication is for informational purposes only and does not imply any legal liability. LAG Nicolae Roznovanu...... 46

Additional information on MARD and NSU may be accessed on the Internet: www.madr.ro, www.rndr.ro

USR, Department for Publications, December 2014 MARD EVENTS ISSN 2284-8665 The meeting of the most representative members of NRDN – “Social economy in rural areas” ...... 48 ISSN-L 2284-8665 © RNDR, 2014 MEET THE NRDN MEMBERS Reproduction of the texts of this publication is authorized provided the source is specified. “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences...... 50 Printed in Romania The Romanian Association of Communes...... 51

Photographs copyright: County Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture (CCCPTC) Ialomița, Ioan Borlean, Archives of the National Institute of Heritage - Iuliana Băncescu, CCCPTC Giurgiu, LAG Țara Vrancei, LAG “Poarta Transilvaniei “, “Cămara Sărulești” Association, Iuliana Căutiș, Nicolae Ghedzira, LAG Sud-Vest Satu Mare, LAG “Nicolae Roznovanu”, “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Romanian Association of Communes

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Editorial

Carols, the soul’s cultural treasure

From Bucovina to Oltenia, from Dobrogea to Banat, the folk custom of carols brings the spirit of winter holidays.

The traditional repertoire of Roma- Photo: Ioan Borlean nian customs that occur at Christmas and New Year’s Eve includes children’s carols, group carols (the most beloved), star carols, plugușorul, sorcova, the dance of masks, other dances, folk and religious theatre and a series of family practices, which have resisted the passing of time, offering a for Immovable Cultural Heritage, CAN! The folk dance ensemble “Va- sense of authenticity and spirituality and her motto is: “Folk culture is a lea Mostiștei” promotes local cus- to the Christmas holiday, a holiday of benchmark of our national identity, toms and traditions through tenacity peace and calmness of the heart. along with the Orthodox faith and the and dedication, being rewarded with Romanian language.” countless prizes in Romania and In cities, but especially in the world abroad, and the “Cămara Sărulești” of villages, the story of Christmas – Although today, in the society we Association handles any difficul- with the carollers’ wishes outside the live in, the traditional community of ty and starts a business that offers window, with the decorated tree and yesteryear no longer exists, carollers everyone pastry and confectionery the inviting flavours of sponge cake no longer have the same props or products made with traditional reci- – comes to life, every year, under the perhaps the same folk costumes, our pes and no preservatives or additives. flickering light of wax candles, to re- customs, especially those for Christ- mind us that the Birth of our Lord is mas and New Year’s Eve, are still The “Up-to-date leader” column the chance that we people have been standing and some of them will be brings to your attention two other given to be blessed. presented in the magazine. LAGs: LAG Sud-Vest Satu Mare and LAG Nicolae Roznovanu, which pre- All around the country Christmas is The magic of carols of yesteryear sent their achievements in the terri- accompanied, in local communities, in Ialomița County, carols in Țara tory they manage. by artistic events that complete the Maramureșului or the carollers of atmosphere created by the carols spe- “Poarta Transilvaniei,” who herald We close this issue of our magazine cific to this holiday. An unleashing of the Birth of our Lord, along with the by introducing two NRDN members, the folk dance with masks animates Dance of Masks, an ancient custom namely the “Gheorghe Ionescu- the stages of festivals organised for of Țara Vrancei, as well as the carol Șișești” Academy of Agricultural and the holiday. This show is yet another festival in Slobozia, complete the Forestry Sciences and the Romanian way of keeping a community’s cus- holiday air of life in the countryside Association of Communes. toms alive. during this time of year. We cannot end it without making It is precisely about the ways of The story of winter holidays conti- a wish to our readers: “I’m leaving keeping, preserving and valorising nues with the story of PEOPLE, arti- you now, stay in good health / And the artistic treasure of folk culture sans that carry on the tradition they in good spirits for Christmas, / that PhD Iuliana Băncescu speaks have inherited from their ancestors, But don’t forget, when you make to us in the pages of the interview in Țara Vrancei and Țara Maramure- merry, / Romanian, be kind!” opening this issue of our magazine; șului. she has a PhD in Philology, major Viviana Vasile, Team Leader of the in Folklore, she is a main scientific From the EXPERIENCE of the com- project “Establishment and Support researcher – level 2 at the National munity of the commune of Sărulești, for the National Rural Development Institute of Heritage, the Directorate Călărași County, we learn that WE Network”

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Interview with

the community and in communion. Iuliana Băncescu, Paradoxically, today, despite the existence of so many modern means of Doctor of Philology, major in Folklore, main scientific researcher – level communication, this way of living is II at the National Institute of Heritage, the Directorate for Immovable much diluted. Cultural Heritage Please tell us about a few aspects of the activity you carry To begin with, please explain out within the National Insti- to us what immovable cultural tute of Heritage. heritage means. Iuliana Băncescu: The activity Iuliana Băncescu: The Romani- that a researcher carries out within Căiuți and officers at the Festival of Winter Customs and Traditions, Suceava, 2012 an word for “heritage” (patrimoniu) this institute consists mostly of field comes from the Latin word patrimo- research, because the specificity of In conclusion, my activity as an eth- Sometimes I was impressed by the nium, which means “paternal herit- our directorate is applied research. nologist means researching, con- interest that people in a community age.” There is a movable and an im- To this end, my activity consists of serving, promoting and valorising show in living customs, but also in movable cultural heritage. in situ documentation, in order to everything that is related to the con- those that are no longer practised watch and record, on any form of temporary folk culture, to the im- and by the care for the values they According to the law regarding the media, a custom, in order to see the movable cultural heritage. have created and inherited. protection of immovable cultural current stage it is in, to see the dif- heritage, it is defined as “the total- ferences from other areas and from The elderly regret the disappearance ity of practices, representations, what the classics of ethnology and How do people in rural areas of the traditional community that expressions, knowledge, skills – to- folklore have noticed, whom we con- see the activity you carry out? existed in their youth and that the gether with the instruments, objects, sider a reference. Do they support you? young people of today no longer show artefacts and cultural spaces asso- the same interest in conserving the ciated with them – which commu- Another side of our activity is pro- Iuliana Băncescu: People in rural cultural heritage, in the traditional nities, groups or, if the case may be, cessing information, writing articles, areas seem happy in the presence of community life, in the values created individuals recognise as an integral “Folk culture is a benchmark of our national scientific papers, books, multimedia those who take interest in their cul- by their community. part of their cultural heritage.” More projects, participating in symposia, ture and spirituality and they are plainly put, the immovable cultur- identity, along with the Orthodox faith and exchange visits, radio shows and willing to share everything they have However, there are young people who al heritage is everything that is text, even making ethnological movies. inherited from their ancestors. love and conserve these values, but music, custom, knowing how to do the Romanian language.” Photographs: NIH archives – author Iuliana Băncescu something, traditional beliefs, practices… of this heritage and are not educated The church also has an important to this end. This is where the commu- part to play in conserving the cultur- It is the heritage most easily perish- nity plays a part, with the local fac- al and spiritual heritage, first of all able in time, as it depends on the tors that have duties in the cultural by conserving the right faith and by human factor. At present, when the field, starting with the director of the keeping man’s connection with God society we live in is no longer a tradi- cultural centre, teachers in schools, unchanged, as well as by caring for tional community, according to every to the city hall, the county cultural the local heritage. canon, as it used to be until the begin- directorates and the national institu- ning of the 20th century, this heritage tions that have duties in the field of The role of this heritage, especially is in danger because, more often than heritage and culture, having the duty of traditions and customs of the year not, a single person in a community to manage the conservation, in any and of family life, was that of bring- knows a doina, a carol, knows how manner, of this heritage in danger of ing the community together and to carve wood a certain way, knows extinction, by recording it on an au- placing it in communion. Within the a certain traditional recipe and all of dio, video or photo form of media, to traditional community, people gath- these disappear along with these peo- keep it within the community, in case ered at social meetings, sewing bees, ple who know how to make an object the in situ conservation will no longer weddings, carolling, they helped each or to practise a custom, a traditional be possible. other, they knew their needs, their piece. joys and their sorrows, they visited By conserving this immovable herit- each other, they concerned them- Today, most of the youth, and not age we basically keep our spiritual- selves with each other. This type just them, care less about conserv- ity. It is a sum of values that we have of life was an extension of the mass ing these customs, carrying on with inherited and that we have a duty to (which means service in Greek) and them, if they do not know the value transmit to future generations. it placed people face to face, within Plugușor in Câmpulung Moldovenesc – Suceava

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folk culture, though, if we refer to the How does folk culture become lidays, customs and traditions text, it is strictly related to the con- known outside the country? are best conserved? text. A text or a custom can be conserved within a community only if it Iuliana Băncescu: The messen- Iuliana Băncescu: To define some expresses one of its needs. This con- gers, the ambassadors of folk culture characteristics, I could say that the text maintains that text, but it can also are, at present, the Romanians who dances of masks are best conserved make it change or disappear, because have left the country, cultural insti- in Moldavia, carols and the Viflaim or folklore, especially the current one, is tutes abroad, Romanian churches in the Herods’ theatre, in Transylvania. particularly dynamic at the moment. the diaspora, various NGOs or even There are areas, though, micro-areas, individuals who promote national sub-areas, conservative localities all The texts that disappear from the values, even at an international level. around the country and each of them community’s life go to the passive has its specificity. Unfortunately, Paradoxically, people who live abroad Herod of Balcăuți, Suceava County, 1950 repertoire. If we refer to winter cus- they have become mere islands in a toms of this time of year, we have to lack the spirituality of the traditional sea of modernity. The Goat in Scobinți, Iași County they do it mostly in modern fashions, especially in the context of the mod- say that a great many carols, for in- community they come from and then they return to its values, trying to rec- such as shows. But we also see that, ern society we live in. stance, can be found today in the pas- Then there is also the traditional Ro- are organised in the county seats and reate this community in the diaspo- over the last few years, traditional sive repertoire. That is why it is very manian mentality that, in a certain they gather representatives from the ra, in the context of multiethnic and creation becomes ever more present important, at present, for this passive proportion, conserves customs even most conservative villages. multireligious societies there, where a side of folk culture, although in tra- To continue, please define the repertoire to be recorded on any form in large cities. keeping and asserting one’s identity ditional communities it was repre- concept of folklore and the place of media, because otherwise it will be For those who perform this custom, is terribly important and sometimes sented much less. it occupies in your activity. lost. For instance, at Christmas people go ensembles or groups of carollers, it is appreciated. carolling in cities and in villages alike, important that they are seen by the Shows are another way of keeping Iuliana Băncescu: Folklore Last but not least, the institutions of and children receive gifts or money. community, that they are on the stage How do you see the contribu- alive a custom within a community, means “wisdom of the people” and the state make efforts to promote folk We no longer have the traditional of a county or national festival and tion that folk culture brings to with all their disadvantages, namely so everything that was created by it culture outside the country, through community of yesteryear, those props that they appear on television. So for national heritage? the fact that the spectacular side is can be defined, in general terms, as exhibitions, festivals and interna- or perhaps the same folk costumes, them the festival is a way of stimulat- emphasised to the detriment of the folklore. But the scientific meaning tional fairs organised in Romania, as but we conserve the custom, and the ing the conservation of the custom, Iuliana Băncescu: The contribu- ritual one, certain sections of the of the term refers mostly to what is well as abroad, through exchanges of community shows interest in it. even though we refer to shows, a way tion that folk culture brings is de- custom are omitted so that it could related to the text. specialists and artists, publications of promoting their values, of intro- fining. It is a benchmark of national be represented on stage, the fact that and movies. Over the past few years there have ducing them to other communities. the audience is not always a part of We use the term “folk culture,” which identity, along with the Romanian been promoted carol festivals, organ- And thanks to the Internet, some of the community and they do not know is wider and includes everything language and Orthodox faith. There What are the areas where, ised for various areas. Each county these values acquire an international that particular custom, they do not that folk wisdom has created, on a are many examples of minorities that during this time of winter ho- has their own carol festival. These dimension.

belong with it, as it is natural in a material and spiritual level, namely have lost their folk cultural heritage Photo: Archives of the County Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture Ialomița traditional community. architecture, customs, occupations, and that have been assimilated by practices and traditional objects, the majority. So, by conserving folk However, I repeat, shows are a way of costumes, beliefs, superstitions etc. culture we conserve the identity of a conserving customs in a community, This is the object of our activity. In people.

Folk culture is the identity card of the Romanian people, which speaks of peasants’ architecture, of peasants’ psychology, of customs, work, the way of thinking, of celebrating, of the way of living and seeing life and the world, in general, of reacting and acting upon the world. Losing this cultural heritage means losing the identity of a people.

This is how you get the man with no roots, living the existential angst, who does not know where he comes from, has no more benchmarks in his life, or does not find solutions in critical moments, because traditional spirituality offers to men values that have been checked in time, by generations, Bujor’s Band – folk theatre, on stage at a festival, 1993 benchmarks, trust and support. Group of carollers from “Vatra Moldoviței” – Suceava, at the festival “Sub zare de soare” – Slobozia

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Rural Development

But the most popular Christmas Eve The magic of winter holidays for tradition is bringing the icon. Nowa- days, the custom lasts for several days Romanians – customs and traditions before Christmas and it is no longer practised by the boys in the church The winter holidays begin for Romanians with the Nativity Fast (15 November) and they last choir, but by the priest, together with until St. John’s Day (7 January). It is a time rich in customs, different from one area to another, the teacher. They visit every home, sprinkle holy water on the house and focused on the great Christian holidays celebrated during this period. The most important ones the members of the family, singing are: the Nativity Fast, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Epiphany and St. John the Baptist’s Day. the hymn of the Birth of our Lord.

Nativity Fast A great holiday at the end of Novem- through benefaction, wisdom and The Christmas Holiday ber, on the 30th, is St. Andrew’s Day, preaching the right faith, defending Carollers with drums in Banat Christmas, the Birth of our Lord, is The Nativity Fast is, in its own way, celebrated as an apostle of the Roma- the Church from the teachings of Ari- customs, this day has remained the and leather sandals. Now they wear a day of great joy and blessing for a paradox, a joyful fast, although in nians, because, according to the his- us the heresiarch. In remembrance of day when pigs are slaughtered, with- “whatever they have,” but they pre- Christians. The first record of cele- the Christian tradition, fasting means torian Eusebius of Caesarea, he was the kindness of this saint, people of- out any sacred connotations today, serve, partially, the text of the carol brating Christmas on 25 December repentance, asceticism, sorrow. But chosen by lot to preach the Gospel in fer St. Nicholas gifts to their children although folklorists see this act as a and the accompaniment (accordion was in the year 325. this fast foresees the Birth of Messi- Thracia and Scythia, including in the until this day, and they find them in substitution of human sacrifices, cel- or flute, or several musical instru- Because Christians did not want to ah, it is an easy fast, with permission territory that is today’s Dobrogea. their boots or under the pillow, on ebrating a deity, an “agrarian spirit.” ments). celebrate these pagan holidays, the to eat fish on every Saturday, Sunday the morning of St. Nicholas’ Day. On 4 December we celebrate St. Var- date of 25 December was chosen and important holiday. This sacrifice is made nowadays to Christmas Eve, 24 December, is a day vara’s Day (St. Barbara), the saviour People say St. Nicholas guards the to celebrate both holidays and to provide meat and traditional prod- of hard fasting. In the past, women impose the Christian one. Until then, For the community up until the from poison, boils and the guardian sun which, tired of walking on the ucts for the holidays to come and only ate in the evening, dried plums it had been celebrated on 6 January, th of the world from the Antichrist. same road and sick of what is sees, beginning of the 20 century, it was the entire year. The practical side is or boiled fruit. They also cooked a Women do not wash clothes, do not wants to run away. Others say he was on the same day as the Baptism of the time for sewing bees, because now more important than the ritual- traditional dessert, called hemp cake, weave, do not sew on this day. Chil- a bridge keeper, a sailor or a fisher- Jesus, under the name of Epiphany during long winter nights there was istic-ceremonial one, although there Jesus’ nappies or Virgin Mary’s dren are not allowed to eat beans. It man and that he has the gift of pro- or Theophany, which means Vision enough time for handiwork and for is an entire ritual involved when pre- nappies (turte cu juflă, scutecele lui is said that women embarbara the tecting those who travel on water. of God. celebrations. Moreover, that was paring the pig. After being stabbed, Iisus or pelincile Maicii Domnului), children (they coat their face with He is considered the protector of the when boys and girls met, so they the pig’s skin is burned, then washed from thin cakes, roasted on the stove honey, then they wash it with the wa- poor and the giver of luck upon mar- In the Romanian community of to- could marry after the Epiphany. with cornmeal and covered with a and filled with a cream made with ter they used to wash the icon). riage, for poor girls. It is also said that day, the Christmas holiday has a blanket. In some areas of the coun- crushed hemp seeds or, more recent- he brings the snow, and if it snows on mostly Christian dimension, being As for the holidays during the fast, try, a cross-shaped cut is made on ly, with walnuts. Another important holiday is St. his feast day, then it will be a harsh celebrated both by attending mass they begin with the autumn St. its forehead. Children go astride the Spyridon, the Miracle-worker (12 De- winter. and by observing folk customs. The Philips, between 12-23 November. pig to be lucky the whole year. Then In the evening, when people sweep cember). most popular of them is carolling, so During this period, women did not the guts and entrails are removed, the floors, the garbage is not thrown On 20 December we celebrate the well-known as a specific Romanian throw garbage out, but they collected the meat is cut, traditional products outside, so that they wouldn’t have On 6 December there is a saint cel- Ignat, which is, in the Christian tra- tradition that men’s group Colindat – it behind the door, they did not sew, are made (caltaboşi, tobă, liverwurst, sorrows and damages to the cattle. ebrated out of love, St. Nicholas the dition, the holiday of St. Ignatius Christmas time ritual (colindatul de so that the wolf wouldn’t take their blood sausage, sausages, tochitură, The chimneys are swept and the ash Wonder-worker, who has excelled Theophorus. According to Romanian ceată bărbătească) was recognised sheep, they glued the opening of the drob – cighir etc.). On the same day is thrown in the vineyard, so that it by UNESCO and added to the cultur- Photographs: NIH archives – author Iuliana Băncescu stove so that they would close the people offer the traditional “pig’s would have a rich harvest. Hens were al heritage of humanity. wolves’ snouts, or they hanged an axe alms” to the neighbours and mem- given food from a sieve, so that they to the wood of the chimney, so that bers of the family. would lay many eggs. The custom is observed on Christmas they would be protected from trou- Eve, from evening until Christmas ble. It was said that who celebrated Another custom related to slaugh- In the morning of this day, groups morning. There are places where the St. Philips protected their house tering the pig is called Vasilca, and it of children went from one house to the carolling takes place on two or from fire, snakes, ghouls and trouble, is practised between Christmas and another to carol. The custom was on all three days of Christmas. In but above all from damage caused by New Year’s Day by Roma people or called Moş-Ajunul, Bună-dimineaţa, other places in Muntenia, Moldavia wolves. by the young men of the village. Colindişul or Bună-dimineaţa la and Eastern Transylvania, people go Moş Ajun. In some places (Oltenia, carolling on New Year’s Day, too. On 21 November there is another The pig’s head was embellished with Transylvania), carollers were called important holiday, known as the Pre- beads, earrings, a bride’s veil, a flower piţerei or pizerei and they were led Depending on their message, carols sentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. crown. It was placed on a tray, along by a bailiff. According to the custom, can be religious (Christian), herald- It is the Entry of the Most Holy The- with money (even gold coins), sil- when they entered the house they ing the birth of Christ, secular (social, otokos into the Temple. It is said that, ver and steak. People went carolling were supposed to kindle the fire in pagan), which create a legendary at- on this day, the skies open and ani- with the thus embellished pig’s head. the hearth. As gifts, they received mosphere regarding the world and mals speak. There are feasts for those Before, the Vasilca carollers used to pretzels, round bread, cakes, apples evil forces, focusing on three aspects who have suffered a sudden death. Carollers at their hosts – Ciocănești, Suceava County wear white shirts, red or black belts or walnuts. of the village life: the homestead,

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the power and beauty of the youth, Rehearsals start at the beginning of Nowadays, Christmas is a family depicting animals or peasant charac- decorated with tinsel, ribbons and heroism and love, through the per- the Nativity Fast and they last until holiday, when children, parents and ters. These are customs that are still bells. Sometimes it is embellished spective of marriage. St. Nicholas’ Day or even a few days grandchildren gather around the observed. Perhaps it is because of with long, multicoloured strips of before Christmas. The tradition was table, they go to mass, they receive their spectacular dimension, or be- cloth or, more recently, colourful pa- Carollers are the bearers and the that a group should choose a host, a carollers or they go carolling them- cause of the occasion to celebrate that per. It is said that the goat dance was senders of a message to the hosts. richer man of the village, at whose selves. Christmas is considered the they offer to the community. performed by married men. Bache- Whether it is a magical one, a good house they would organise the Christ- holiday of peace, when any conflict lors were afraid to dance it, because wish, a Christian message or one mas party. As gifts, carollers received comes to an end. We notice that carols do not miss they believed their good angel would that identifies the group, the carol- round bread, apples, walnuts, sweets, on New Year’s Day, either. Howev- go away for six weeks and leave them lers’ message aims to have an effect sausages and products made of pork. New Year’s Day er, they herald this holiday and con- to the evil one. over the host, to bring them wealth, Nowadays they mostly receive mon- tain good wishes for the new year. In prosperity in the new year, to change ey. At the houses where they were not Also known as Little Christmas, New Maramureş I have heard Christian On New Year’s Day, the goat “dies”. them by making them better, more invited inside or where they found Year’s Day is rather a pagan secular carols, too, containing moral coun- It is “shot” by a young man, “buried” faithful, happier and healthier. Car- the gate locked, they uttered “uncar- holiday than a religious one. It marks sels and advice. Now, as it happens by the “priest” and mourned by the ollers have different names: carol- ols” (“descolindări”), humorous neg- The scene of the Bethlehem shepherds, the passage into the new civil year around Christmas, there is the cus- “priest’s wife,” all of them played by Vișeul de Sus, Maramureș County, 1994 lers’ group, boys’ group (in Transyl- ative wishes addressed to the host, or (the new liturgical year begins on 1 tom of sending and receiving cards masked young men, naturally. The they took the gate and moved it. September), and it is the feast day with greetings for the New Year. mask is placed face down, until the vania), youth group (in the region cross on their star, when two groups for St. Vasile the Great. During this Sibiu-Făgăraş), barrel, barrel of the of carollers meet. “alms” is over (the girls offering a boys (youth) (in the region between Today, carolling has a mostly Chris- period we can witness several folk The most popular folk customs are feast to the boys). Then the boys split customs, generally wishes or having the river Olt and the rivers Târnava tian dimension. Carollers symbol- Sometimes, they go carolling with role play games, where animal masks the goat, each of them taking back the an entertainment dimension, but also Mare and Târnava Mică), beze (in the ise the angels that sang above the the Vicleim (The Herods, Viflaem), a prevail. piece they had brought at the begin- involving Romanian tradition, be it Transylvanian Plain and in Năsăud), manger in Bethlehem, praising the folk theatre play that presents scenes ning, when it was made. old or new. dubaşi (in Western Hunedoara and birth of Baby Jesus. Besides these from the Birth of our Lord, Joseph In all the dances of the type țurcă, the region Hălmagiu-Beiuş), preucă “wonderful tidings,” which are at the and Mary finding a place where she brezaie, capră (goat), the main prop In Muntenia and Oltenia, the goat is The renewal of the year contains the (in Ţara Loviştei), zoritori (in Ţara centre of most contemporary carols, could give birth to Jesus, the three is the animal head with a pecking called brezaie, and it is accompanied idea of the perfection of beginnings, Bârsei), căluşeri (in the region be- religious carols also speak of God’s wise men, the shepherds, Herod kill- beak, made of wood and handled by by an old man, an old woman and of the beatitude of a golden age. That tween Sibiu and Strei, because carol- Passions, of saints, of Virgin Mary, of ing the babies, his search at the schol- a young man. There are many simi- other masked characters, who play is why it is awaited with great joy. lers sing and play the dance with the old Christmas, of the betrayal of Ju- ars of the time, Herod being tortured larities between the capră, the țurcă various funny scenes. In the region Romanians consider there is a corre- same name) etc. das, of the end of the world etc. by the devils. Nowadays, this tradi- and the brezaie. Sometimes, they are of Muscel, the goat has the head of a spondence between the year getting tion is still observed in Transylvania the same, and all that is different is wolf, a stork, a fox, a dog, a rooster old and the ages of the saints in the Forming the group and the “rehears- Folk carols are special because they and, here and there, in versions for the name, according to the region or an eagle. It makes jokes, it sings, it calendar. Those celebrated at the als” are related to the richness of the mention their addressee. There are Muntenia or Moldavia. Where this where the games are played. Boys go cheers up the elderly, scares the chil- end of the year are old (St. Andrew, carol repertoire and the duties of the girls’ carols, boys’ carols, children’s custom is still present, it is a true with the goat from Christmas until dren and gives impetus to the youth. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus), and those group. The group is well organised. carols, shepherd’s carols, priest’s show that ends with a series of carols, Epiphany. celebrated at the beginning are con- First of all, it has a leader (bailiff, carols, fisherman’s carols etc., and before the entire community. In Bucovina, the goat is called mayor, judge, provost, marcoton they function as wishes. There are sidered young (St. Vasile). The name capră (goat) is specific malancă, and it represents a pair of and, more recently, chief), who also also carols whose subjects are the According to tradition, you should to Moldavia. The goats in Moldavia, old people. The hosts’ houses have to Just as Christmas is dominated by takes the role of cashier and introduc- fight with the lion, the doe, estrange- keep the first round bread received with a pecking wooden nose, distin- be clean, or the old man in the group carols, New Year’s Day es the girls to the dance, with another ment carols (mostly addressed to when carolling and give it to the cat- guish themselves by the small, less will smear the others with soot. is marked in the Ro- occasion. The man who carries the young men going to war). tle you take to the fair, so that peo- decorated horns than in the rest of gifts is called a mare, horse, bagger, manian community, the country. They are covered with The goats used to dance grotesque ple would come and buy them, as by wishes with the sow, goagă, mihoi. There is some- On Christmas days until St. Vasile or carpets and sometimes they have a dances together with the Bear, and they come carolling. The dirt swept pluguşor, the sorco- times a supervisor of the group’s sup- even until Epiphany, children go car- ribbon with bells on their back. The the masked men improvised tradi- between Christmas and Epiphany is va, the buhai, the plies (innkeeper, goat keeper, bread olling with the Star. They are called goats dance grotesque dances togeth- tional funny scenes. Today, in Mol- collected and then it is either thrown vasilca and the role keeper, butler, făgădaş, borbirău). stelari, wise men, colindari or carol- er with the bear. The other masked davia, where the Bear dance is a on the plots of land in the garden, so play with masks lers. They go in small groups, carry- that worms wouldn’t eat the harvest, characters that accompany them custom, it is a stand-alone dance. Generally, carollers wear the hol- ing a star made of an old sieve, with or it is burned and used to smoke present funny scenes, alluding to The bear dances prompted by the iday folk costume, adding hats or six, eight or twelve triangular points, the cattle, so that no one could hurt the community or to current events. bear-leader, to the rhythm of drums caps. Sometimes they carry a mace wrapped in colourful paper. In the them. Some people jump over fire Traditionally, the goat dances in the and whistles. or a bat, specially decorated, a knap- middle there is an icon of the Birth of on Christmas days, in order to lose middle, being surrounded by the oth- sack, bells, drums or other musical our Lord. The point of their singing is their fear. Women squat so that hens er masks, to the rhythm of the flute The group is completed by other instruments (most often, flutes), about the wise men looking for Baby would sit on eggs. Others say you music or to the shouts of the boys masked characters: “old men,” “old in certain regions, a red or a trico- Jesus and finding Him. But the song should eat poultry on Christmas day, whose duty it is to make it dance. women,” “misses” etc., all of them lour ribbon pinned to their chests, also includes part of the hymn of the so that during summer you could be played by young men of the village. wrapped around their waists or tied Birth of our Lord and an oration for light as a bird. Nowadays there are In Transylvania the goat is called The masks are made of rags, sheep to the bats. They also decorate their the hosts. In the region of Muscel, the still some such beliefs. But generally țurcă. In the region of Hunedoara, skins, rabbit skins, the costumes are costumes with tinsel, crepe paper, custom says that the carollers with they only make us smile, reminding the țurcă is also called a deer or a doe. made from old clothes, and the props crushed baubles, sequins etc. the Star have to make the sign of the us of times gone by. The Goat (Turca) The goat’s head has two long horns, are outdated household objects, bats,

10 11 Rural Romania – No. 13

etc. In Bucovina, gypsies smear soot by children or teenagers, as it still is. People believe it can cure diseases, it three times. On St. John’s Day, the Soaking the Johns (Muiatul Ionilor), on their faces and use feathers to But it is said that, once upon a time, can bless and purify. It is drunk for 9 following day, they unwrap it at the being dedicated only to those bearing decorate themselves. In Maramureş only grown men recited it. Uttering days after Epiphany and, during the same house. They count the money this name. we can see bands of devils, who, to the text is accompanied by the sound year, by those who are not allowed to they have received and they tell each the rhythm of clinking bells, hanged of bells, of the buhai and the cracking receive the Holy Eucharist. It can be other what has happened while walk- By their pomp and diversity, winter from their furry costumes, prance of whips. kept for years, because it is believed ing with the flag. They conscientious- holidays are the lushest and most about the alleyways to catch the car- that his water does not go bad. ly repeat this custom every year. It is spectacular of the current folk cul- ollers. On the morning of New Year’s Day, as said that if they miss it one year, they ture. These traits of theirs have made a way to continue the Pluguşor, chil- In the villages by the Danube tradi- are not allowed to do it for another them exploited in countless folk On New Year’s Day there are sever- dren go sowing. They throw wheat, tion says that, after the water is bless- seven years. shows and festivals, so that the latter al customs specific to each region. In corn or rice seeds in the houses and ed, the priest should throw a cross have become tradition themselves. In this respect, we can mention the fes- Moldavia we can see the most tra- over people. They utter a short wish were going to be lucky. Another cus- into the river (or three crosses into Saint John the Baptist tivals from Sighetu Marmaţiei, Suce- ditions for this holiday. They are all in Bucovina (“Good health! Happy tom that lives on is the fortune pie, the sea). Boys jump into the water ava and many other festivals that staged by the group of boys. A special New Year!”) and they receive money, containing little notes where people and swim until one of them catch- Celebrating Saint John the Baptist, on custom is the Emperors of Bosanci, fruit, walnuts or round bread. More wrote certain qualities or various de- es the cross. In several places in the 7 january, marks the end of the winter take place in county capitals, reach- Suceava County, with their customs recently, though, the sorcova wish grees of wealth. country, on Epiphany, priests bless holidays’ cycle. It is the holiday of the ing over 20 editions. made of colourful feathers. They has become widespread, after being the water of a river or a spring that “greatest man born of a woman,” who In the Romanian calendar, this dance various dances and make good practiced only in the centre of Mol- Epiphany passes through the village. has baptised the One preached by him wishes for the hosts, at the end. Căi- davia at first: “Să trăiţi / Să-nfloriţi/ as Messiah, Christ, God. cycle of holidays is very important. uţii is a custom specific to Botoşani ca merii, / ca perii, / În mijlocul There is another custom in the south On this day, people sprinkle each oth- It is the time of year with the most Also called Theophany (vision of County, as well as to other Moldavian verii, / ca toamna cea bogată / De of the country, and it is called driv- er with water, they dive into rivers, holidays, the richest in meanings and God), Epiphany is one of the most counties. The group, smaller or larg- toate-ndestulată!” ing the horses. Horses are decorated ponds or creeks, and the young men Christian events, the one that binds important Christian holidays. It is er, according to the age of the partic- with tassels (frills) and then they are of the village sprinkle girls with wa- Romanians more to folk traditions the celebration of God’s Baptism in ipants, go carolling at every house, Another form of a New Year’s carol is baptized by the priest with holy water from the well or from the priest’s and their native lands, the one that the Jordan River, by Saint John the dancing to the rhythm of whistles Sorcova. Before, on St. Andrew’s Day ter, together with their masters. In bucket. imposes to the Romanian community Baptist. During the first three Chris- some regions they are driven into the other hierarchies, another social and shouts, as well as to the music, if people put apple, pear or sour cherry tian centuries, it was celebrated on Those called Ion or Ioan are jordaned stratification than the usual one. the older boys afford to pay for it. The tree branches in water, so that they the same day as the Birth of our Lord, waters of the river, which has been (soaked or thrown into the air), un- costume includes a wooden horse could bloom. They were then taken on 6 January. It is a great holiday for blessed by the priest. In churches til they offer a gift. In Muntenia, This text has been made available head, decorated with tinsel and co- carolling from Christmas Eve until Romanians because on this day all people make crosses out of ice and the custom is called Vălărit and it to us by the kindness of Mrs Iuliana lourful paper. the morning of St. Vasile’s Day. Today three Persons of the Holy Trinity ap- they fire gunshots to ward off evil is practised by young men. They go Băncescu, PhD, from her paper they are replaced with sorcove made peared, and it is also the day of the spirits. from house to house, “baptizing” and “Traditional customs in Romania. A custom that is unique in our of colourful paper flowers, decorated Great Blessing of the Water. country takes place in Bucovina, on with tinsel. The custom is observed So that the holy water would not be raising everyone they meet. As a gift, Holidays in pictures” („Obiceiuri the jordaners receive money, and tradiţionale din România. Sărbători New Year’s Day. It is the Bungheri. by children, who enter the house and A few days before Epiphany, the spoiled, nine days after Epiphany no they used to receive meat in the past. în imagini”), edited by the National Dressed in military suits similar tap the hosts with the sorcova, one by priest goes “with the eve;” he visits clothes should be washed. Girls take In the evening they have a party with Centre for the Conservation and to those of Austrian generals, they one, reciting the formula. In Buzău, every house, signing the hymn of the a flower out of those that decorate all the girls they have jordaned at Promotion of Traditional Culture, dance in circle and utter dance cries Prahova, Argeş, Teleorman and Olt holiday and sprinkling holy water on the cross on Epiphany and they be- their houses or near the wells. In the Bucharest, 2006, “Tradiţii” and sleazy cries. They are accompa- they go carolling outside the win- the people and the place. If he arrives lieve that, if they place it under their region of Sibiu, the custom is called Collection. nied by wind instruments and drums, dows, at first, to awaken the hosts. on the Eve, he is greeted with fasting pillow, they will dream of their future to the rhythm of the Arcan, a dance food (boiled prunes, boiled wheat, husband. that is specific to this region. On New Year’s night it is said that the apples etc.), because the eve of the skies open and those who wake and Epiphany is a day of rough fasting. In the commune of Morteni in A general custom observed by Roma- see them open will be given anything People welcome the priest with a lit Dâmboviţa County there is a single nians on New Year’s Day is Pluguşor- they ask for. It is said that animals candle, at the gate. Sometimes they custom, known under the name of ul. An agrarian custom, deeply rooted speak, telling about everything they even lead him to another house, Flag (Steag) or Geavrele. A week in the Romanian spirituality, the plu- have done during the year. It is also when he leaves. Children accompany or two before Epiphany, boys take guşor is a declaimed agrarian carol, said that the mood people have on him and announce his arrival, shout- handkerchiefs from older women with theatrical elements, whose sub- New Year’s Eve will be the one they ing Chiralesa! before him (from the (the geavre). On the eve of Epiph- ject is the work it takes to make bread. have the entire year (happy or sad). Greek Kir eleison = Lord, have mer- any, they gather at the house of a The plough, decorated with colourful Before, the windows and doors of the cy). This occurs particularly in Buco- host, where they sew them on a pole paper, ribbons, napkins, flowers, and barn were smeared with grease and vina and Moldavia. wrapped in the Romanian flag, 9 to sometimes with a fir tree, was a con- linden tree coal, to keep the ghouls 11 metres long. On the top they add stant presence during this carol. away, so that the cattle wouldn’t be Everywhere in the country priests a cross, tassels, another flag and ba- spoiled. People put basil, earrings or perform the Great Blessing of Waters sil. On Epiphany, the flags from the Pluguşorul is recited before every a necklace around the fence post, on (Great Holy Water), which is then four districts of the locality are bless- house, on New Year’s Eve, in the eve- the house or on haystacks. It was said used to bless objects. People sprin- ed in the centre of the commune, by ning, or even until the morning of that if on New Year’s morning the ob- kle this water on houses, the mem- the priest. Then each group goes car- New Year’s Day. It used to be done ject was covered with dew, then you bers of the family, animals and birds. olling to every house, raising the flag Soaking the Johns (Muiatul Ionilor) in Tălmăcel, Sibiu County

12 13 Rural Romania – No. 13 Photographs: The archives of the CCCPTC Giurgiu Carols of yesteryear... Motto: “The traditions and customs of the elders are so beautiful…“

With ancient origins - some of them from Pre-Christian Carols from the Vlașca times - winter customs have folklore area suffered significant trans- L-astă-i uşa bună formations over time. It is (At this proper gate) worrying, though, that some L-astă-i uşă bună, Mulţi junei s-adună, of them have no longer been Stătură, bătură, practised lately and they are Din gură grăiară: quickly disappearing. - ’Cest domn bun din casă, In the Vlașca folklore area we can see Din cas’ de la masă, “The adults’ plough”, 1982 almost every tradition carried out De-or fi de-adormit, during this time of winter holidays, Bună vreme gazd-aleasă Semănatul (The sowing) “The adults’ plough”, 1982 Scoală-te, deşteaptă, with the beauty and specificity that is (Greetings, gentle host) Anul nou cu bine, C-afară te cheamă, particular to each locality. Bună vreme gazd-aleasă, Cu zile senine, Doi, trei chemători, go carolling that evening, because no them. When they entered, they sang Florile dalbe, flori de măr. Şi cu fericire. Juni colindători, “The richest collection of carols, two groups went to the same area or the carol “Doi șade” (“Two men sit”). Bună vreme mândră casă, Anul Nou cu sănătate, which has attracted the attention to the same house. Usually, people Florile dalbe, flori de măr. Că-i mai bună decât toate. Şi tot mai grăise: of the Conservation Centre, can be knew which “sector” each of them They only sat down after they finished Gazdă dacă nu ne crezi, Vă fie tărie, - ’Cest domn bun din casă, found in the commune of Găujani, had, but to avoid misunderstandings the carol, when they took their seats Vino-afară să ne vezi. Traiu-n armonie. Din cas’ de la masă, a locality on the Danubian shore, the ritual was repeated every year. at the table specially set for them. Să vezi neaua afânată, Anul Nou cu-mbelşugare, Tu portar de porţi, around 25 km from Giurgiu, towards After being offered food and drinks Şi cu spor la fiecare. Poarta să-mi descui, Zimnicea,” says PhD Carmen Pețan- When they took farewell, according by the hosts, the carollers were sup- De din zare, până-n poartă. Norocu-n tot locul, Poarta porţilor, ca, the manager of the County Centre to the custom, they had to leave sing- posed to sing for the members of the Iată pică picurele, Să-şi aibă sorocul. for the Conservation and Promotion ing the same carol, “La mijloc de sat” family. The first song was the carol for Uşa caselor, De argint, de mii de stele. Anul Nou cu voie bună, of Traditional Culture Giurgiu and (“In the middle of the village”): the husband and wife. If the spouses Noi ca să-i băgăm, Promoroaca stă ciorchină, După datina străbună, she describes the ancient custom of Lerului, lerului were not from the same village, they Pă-ştei junei buni, Peste pomii din grădină. La casă, la masă, carolling. La mijloc de sat sang “Pe-l buhaz de mare” (“In the Juni colindători. Să vezi neaua albă-n vie, Ca-ntr-o zi aleasă. Cetele se-mpart narrows of the sea”). Then they sang Anu’Nou, cu bucurie! La anul şi la mulţi ani! Until recently, adults still went car- Lerului carols for the children: girls’ carols Şi tot mai grăiară: olling in the entire village on Christ- Care-au apucat. (Și-și mai are Ion, are – John has - D-ăst domn bun din casă, mas Eve (the night of 24 to 25 Decem- more of it, he does; Cam din susu, Din cas’ de la masă, ber). This custom was only followed When they reached the homes of cam din josu – From above and from by men. They prepared beforehand, householders (who welcomed them below), boys’ carols (Încalică Vodă Tu chelar de mese, meeting every evening, at one of their with open gates), the groups sang a – The Lord goes astride, Li li, li li, Bunătăţi să-ntinzi, houses, to learn the carols. The cus- greeting carol. There were several calule – Ree, ree, horsey; Stă murgu Făclii să-mi aprinzi, tom observed a ritual that began with carols (Întreabă sfinţii pe Hristos – legatu – The bay horse is tied, etc.). If Bucate să-mi pui. the gathering of the carollers, on the The saints ask Christ, L-astă-i ușă the host had several boys, the group evening of Christmas Eve, in the cen- bună – At this proper gate, Pus-a sang the carol “Trei feciori într-un Şi tot mai grăise: tre of the village. There they split in casa lângă drum – He raised the botez” (“Three boys baptised once”). - D-ăst domn bun din casă, 7-8 groups, usually consisting of the house there by the road, M-a trimis There was another specific carol that Tu chelar de buţi, same people as the previous years. Sfânta Marie – Virgin Mary sent me, they only sang at the priest’s house: Bun vin să-mi aduci, Each group was made of 4 people etc.), and they chose only of them. “Pe câmpul Ierusalimului” (“On the Vin din nouă buţi, (bachelors, adults and elderly men), field of Jerusalem”). Şi să le numeşti, split in groups of two, who sang an- If they arrived there after midnight, Să le pritoceşti, tiphonally (a sentence each). they sang the carol “Scoală, scoală At the end, carollers received the Prin cane leşăşti, domn din casă” (“Get up, get up, lord “caroller’s round bread” (a round Pahare domneşti, After the groups were set up and di- of the house.” If the host wanted to bread baked specially for this tradi- Tu să le numeşti, vided, it was time to allocate “sec- receive them into their home, he tional custom), which was then cov- Lă-ştei junei buni. tors,” where each group was going to knocked on the window and called ered with fruit, meat and money. “The adults’ plough”, 1987

14 15 Rural Romania – No. 13

“Sub zare de soare” – The Carol Festival in Slobozia

In Romanian folklore, Christmas Traditional Culture Ialomiţa and participating groups. Each time, the carolling is the most important cy- Slobozia Local Council organise event is recorded and broadcast in cle of the traditional folk culture, the every year, in Slobozia, the tradi one of the Christmas days on a na- richest and most colourful reason for tional carol festival “Sub zare de tional TV channel – media partner Photographs: CCCPTC Ialomița folkloric manifestations. The habit soare” (“Under a sunny sky”). of the festival. of carolling, of greeting the Birth of our Lord with great joy, of welcoming This year, the festival was organised For the locals, this carol festival is Him with kind wishes, gifts, parties, on 12 December. a source of great joy and it creates songs and dances is ancient. Car- a special, holiday-like atmosphere olling opens the large cycle of winter This national festival invites groups around Christmas. holidays. of carollers from the county of Ialo- The organisers hope, as they do ev- miţa, as well as carollers from the ery time, that the carol festival in Every year, in December, in Ialomiţa counties of Maramureș, Botoșani, Slobozia brings back the magic of take place a series of cultural and ar- Vaslui, Brăila, Buzău, Constanța, customs and traditions of yesteryear, tistic events dedicated to celebrating Hunedoara, who present the most specific to the winter holidays, with The group of carollers “Credința” from Cocora – Ialomița County the most beautiful and the most ex- beautiful winter traditions and cus- the carollers’ wishes reminding us pected moment of the year: Christ- toms specific to the area where they of our childhood days, when carols The group of carollers of The group of carollers doara, Bucharest. The tutor of the mas. come from. were sung on every alleyway. the Folkloric Ensemble “Credinţa” from Cocora group is the director of the Cultural centre, Mariana Alexandru. “Colinda” from Jilavele With this occasion, Ialomiţa County The festival’s programme includes a To continue, we present you the most Known in the entire county, the group Council, the County Centre for the caroller parade on the streets of the representative groups of carollers has presented the carols from the vil- From the repertoire: “Cerbul” (“The It is undeniably one of the most Conservation and Promotion of city and a show performed by the from the Ialomița County. lage’s folklore area for over 20 years. Deer”) – boys’ carol. appreciated groups of carollers in Ialomița, and it is well known both in It has attended many carol festivals the country and abroad. in the country: in Râmnicu Vâlcea, The group of carollers Sighetul Marmaţiei, Sibiu, Bucharest. Founded over 50 years ago, the folk- “Valurile Dunării” from loric ensemble from Jilavele attended Giurgeni The group is led and mentored by carol festivals in the country (Sighetul the singer Gruia Stan and the direc- Marmaţiei, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Bacău, Situated on the shore of the Danube tor of the Cultural centre, Petruţa Iaşi, Hunedoara, Bucharest) and – the road with no dust – the locality Avrămiţă. abroad (Austria, France, Hungary), of Giurgeni is one of the best shaped where it has been truly successful. folklore areas of Ialomiţa. Representative carols: “Prin cel cer” (“In that sky”) – girls’ carol; “Mai la The group consists of children and Throughout time, countless songs, vale” (“Downhill”) – house carol. adults, and the tutor of the group – doinas, ballads and carols have been Simion Victor – pays special atten- collected from this place. One of their tion to transmit the local folklore most representative amateur artis- from generation to generation. The group of carollers tic groups is the group of carollers, from Vlădeni founded over 40 years ago. It has recorded countless times for the Radio and the Television, and it has It is a part of the richest folklore area They have collected and valorised recorded an audio cassette at Elec- of the Ialomiţa County. The carols of ancient carols, proven by the folklore trecord, consisting of the most beau- this group have been edited in several collections of Giurgeni edited over tiful carols, entitled “Judeţ Mare” collections of folklore from Ialomiţa. the years. They have participated and (“Great County”). They are learned from the elders of represented Ialomiţa County at festi- the village and performed on stage by vals in the country (Constanţa, Râm- Among the representative carols they the youth. nicu Vâlcea, Bacău, Iaşi) and abroad sing we mention “Prichi, prichi” and (Bălţi – The Republic of Moldova). “Trei crai de la răsărit (Steaua)” – The group of carollers has participat- “The Three Wise Men from the East ed, throughout time, at carol festivals From the repertoire: “La tulpină, la The ensemble of children carollers “Colinda” from Jilavele – Ialomița County (The Star).” in Constanţa, Maramureş, Hune- doi meri” (“At the stalk, at two apple

16 17 Rural Romania – No. 13

Sub aripa cerului (Under the wing of the sky) – children’s carol (fragment) Sub aripa cerului, Oi, lerui Doamne! trees”) – carol for a young married The carollers from Luciu are un- Mi-este-o dalbă mânăstire, couple. mistakeable and their carols have Iară-n sfânta mânăstire, an inestimable value and beauty. Este-o dalbă biserică. Throughout time they have per- Iară-n dalba biserică The group of carollers formed on the stages of customs Este Bunul Dumnezeu “Spicul” from the village and traditions festivals in Sighetul Și cu sfânt, Sfântul Ion Marmaţiei, Bacău, Râmnicu Vâl- Și cu bătrânul Crăciun Luciu, commune Gura cea, Hunedoara, Sibiu, Vrancea, Și cu Maica Precesta. Ialomiţei Iaşi, Bucharest, Bălţi (The Repub- Și cu-acest preot din casă lic of Moldova). Ei citeau și se rugau, It is a part of the “Spicul” peasant Făceu sfânta liturghie, folklore ensemble, which has per- They have made a great number of Cu potcapu de tămâie, formed for over 50 years. It is the recordings for the Radio and the Și cu un corn de prescură, most representative messenger of the Television. Și cu un pahar de vin. folklore of Ialomiţa, participating at Iară Maica Precesta, numerous events in the country and Their success is due to the authen- Ochii-ntr-o parte-arunca, abroad. ticity of their repertoire, their im- Într-o parte la Răsărit, peccable stage attire and, last but Vede-un stol de porumbei, not least, to the tutors of the group, De departe mi-l văzură professors Anica and Mihai Casian. De aproape le vorbiră: „Iar voi stol de porumbei Representative repertoire: “Colin Ce umblați, ce trepădați, dul mare de casă” (“The great Voi, solia să vi-o dați?“ house carol”); “Sub aripa cerului” Grăi stol de porumbei : (“Under the wing of the sky”) – „Nu suntem stol de porumbei, children’s carol. Suntem pâlc de îngerei…” The group of carollers from the commune Vlădeni – Ialomița

The group of carollers “Spicul” from the village Luciu The group of carollers “Valurile Dunării” from the commune Giurgeni – Ialomița County

18 19 Rural Romania – No. 13 Photographs: Ioan Borlean

Carols in Țara Maramureșului

Maramureș is perhaps Starting with wooden churches, ting these lands during the winter ho- many of them part of the UNESCO lidays, when everything dons holiday the best reflection of heritage, continuing with the apparel, when carols are sung in the the authentic rural life, picturesque villages, the custom of streets, housewives cook traditional wearing folk costumes even at work foods, lay tasselled tablecloths on the with customs and tra- and finishing with the daily life of the tables, hang huckabacks on the walls ditions being preserved villagers, everything is unique and and place embroidered cushions on well in this area. unmistakeable. the bed. In these lands, Christian holidays are Christmas and New Year’s Day are respected scrupulously, the life of awaited in the houses of the Maramu- these people being divided between resan people, as they are everywhere, Any traveller that spirituality, working the fields, re- with joy and positive thoughts. That stops in these lands aring animals and handicrafts. is why everything that is done during the winter holidays (24 December feels like in a different The simplicity of these people’s lives, – 7 January) is done under the sign world, where time has as well as their order, cannot leave of goodness, happiness, optimism you unimpressed. that spreads through lovely carols, stopped. and ends with wishes for health, Perhaps the scent of Christmas is The best way of feeling the customs addressed to the hosts, for wealth in strongest in Maramureş, where and traditions of Maramureş is visi- everything and for a rich harvest. bands of carollers, boys and men, dressed in folk costumes, one prou- der than the other of their attire, wish well to hospitable hosts and fill their bags with walnuts and round bread, sponge cakes and sausages, with wine and plum brandy.

In Maramureş, for Christmas, the li- ghts do not go off, and the gate has to be left open for the carollers. Traditi- on says no house can remain unvisi- ted by carollers, and that it is a shame for one’s house to be avoided by the carollers.

The carolling ends only after midnight, and on Sunday boys and girls meet at the church, for the great Christmas mass. The MARMAȚIA Winter Customs and Traditions Festival Generally, the repertoire includes carols specific to children, to groups of girls and boys, as well as to men.

Some of the carols have a religious, Christian dimension to them, while others bring to the present rites that have disappeared in the ashes of time, but which have remained alive through their artistic, deeply human message.

One such example is the carol “La gră- Waiting for the carollers - Borlean Traditional House Complex, Vadu Izei, Maramureş dina raiului” (“In Heaven’s Garden”),

20 21 Rural Romania – No. 13 Fotografii: Ioan Borlean which can be heard during these holidays in Vadu Izei, a Maramureş commune located at the confluence of the valleys of the rivers Iza and Mara, which takes pride in having the most beautiful carved gates, as well as in preserving Christmas traditions and customs.

La grădina raiului (In Heaven’s Garden) La grădina raiului Șade-Adam cu Eva lui Și-și plânge păcatul lui. Și-și plânge și-și tânguiește Că de rai se despărțește: Alleyway in Vadu Izei, Maramureș Raiule, grădină dulce, De la tine nu m-aș duce De mirosul florilor De dulceața pomilor. Noi departe am zinit Murgu ni s-o ciumpăzit. De la apa lui Iordan Din curțile lui Adam Aducând pe domnul Sfânt Domnul nost, domnul Hristos Că pe toți din iad ne-o scos. Rămâneți gazde cu pace și cu sănătate, La mulți ani și buni, Să ajungeți și alți Crăciuni!

The MARMAȚIA Winter Customs and Traditions Festival The boys in Vadu Izei, at the festival

22 23 Rural Romania – No. 13 Photographs: LAG Țara Vrancei

The dance of masks – an ancient custom in Țara Vrancei

Țara Vrancei is a legen- A distinct custom, specific to Țara world to myths implies the reinter- Vrancei during winter holidays, is the pretation of their deep meanings, ca- dary land, where traditi- dance of masks that takes place on pable of disclosing a sacred universe, ons, customs and handi- Christmas and on New Year’s Day. revealed in ritualistic practices. The crafts are closely related dances of masks take place at certain The masks, made of wood, sheepskin times of the year, especially on Christ- to people, to history and or goatskin, are specific to the region mas, when the Old Year is broken. to nature. of Nereju in the mountains of Vran- cea. The dances of masks in this part The dances of masks are performed of Țara Vrancei are ancient customs, at the end of the ritualistic-ceremoni- In this region, the centu- with agrarian and pastoral meanings al period and they represent a way of ries-old traditions related in the folk tradition. purification, preparing us to enter the New Year “cleaner.” to winter holidays are still Originally, they were ceremonies that preserved to this day, as meant the regular return of the dead, The appearance of the masked men on which occasion people wore masks needs to be connected to the “degene- elements of stability and depicting animals – goat, bear, horse. ration” of time. According to the an- unity. The inevitable return of the modern cient mentality, masks represent the spirits of the ancestors that transmit the principle of fertility in the New An expression of an ancient Year, through dialogue, gestures and culture, masks bring the dances. contemporary man into harmony with the spirits It could be said, though, that wearing of his ancestors, opening masks to disguise oneself is a way of a window to a lost world, relieving tensions accumulated over whose echoes can still be the year, with the mask offering the guarantee of full anonymity, therefo- heard before Christmas and re the possibility of making gestures New Year’s Day. that no one would dare make in daily life.

The most popular masks are the goat and the bear, and their dance is one of the elementary forms of folk theatre. The rich costumes, the agility of the dancers, the quick pace, the lyrics and shouts remind of the energy of rebir- th, as a cosmic transformation for the New Year.

The dance of masks in Țara Vrancei is an ancient custom, which mana- ges to bring together dozens of masked men, with the deep motivation of increasing the power of time’s shapeshifting. The Old Year which, under pressure from the groups of masked men, must make way for the New Year, for refreshed and regene- rated time.

24 25 Rural Romania – No. 13

Carollers herald the Birth of our Lord in „Poarta Transilvaniei”

A true gateway to Cluj County, the commune of Every year, when it is time for carolling, the young men of the village Negreni has an extraordinary touristic, folkloric and gather early in groups, to herald the ethnographic, with its natural beauty and the traditions Birth of our Lord. Photographs: LAG “Poarta Transilvaniei” kept throughout centuries by the generations that have After nightfall, on Christmas Eve, blessed these places. locals consider the winter holidays have begun, a cause for great joy for all those living in the villages, as well Traditions are elements of spiritual continuity as for those who visit the commune across generations, keeping and conveying customs, during this time of year.

ceremonies, habits, technologies and various pieces of Men take firewood inside the hous- information, including historical ones. es and make the last preparations around the house.

Women place the delicacies on the To continue, we will present a few Among the holidays of the year, table and set a candle in the middle, of the traditions specific to the com- Christmas, with its traditions, brings and the younger children cannot Older children, teenagers and young Carolling begins with the youngest house, and then they pass by every mune of Negreni. a special charm to the commune. wait for carollers to come by. men and women are already gone to children, who herald the Birth of house in the village. church, where they receive the bless- our Lord. They go carolling in large ing of the priest, and then they will groups, visiting people’s houses. The carolling ends on Christmas visit each house. They always begin with the priest’s Day, when the groups of “carollers”

26 27 Rural Romania – No. 13

and all the locals gather at the church Dressed in traditional clothes, white (“Bună seara lui Crăciun”), asks res wards the villagers’ houses. Before they begin to sing the carol “Și ne They stand in two half circles and for the mass, thus going full circle. linen shirts, decorated with red and pectfully: “Will you let us come with each gate, a boy of the group asks lasă gazdă-n casă” (“O host, will you they keep on singing carols. If there is blue stitches, with the tricolour rib- the Star?” (“Lăsaţi cu Steaua?”), and the head of the family if he lets them let us in?”) outside the window. a marriageable girl in the house, they carol. The children aged between 7 and 16 bon tied around the waist, wearing then they sing the carol. sing the carol “Fată dalbă” (“White go with the Star, each band (group) hats, carrying a cross and a sword, When the carol goes “Și ne-aprinde girl”), and if there isn’t, they sing the consisting of 8 members: the star after having been blessed by the The carollers (“corindătorii”) or If they are received, they enter the o lumânare / Și ne deschide ușile...” carol “Bună veste” (“Good tidings”), host (the star chief), Herod, Amidon, priest, they start from the church hill the boys are groups of young men, householder’s yard to the rhythm of the host opens the doors and then Caspar, Melchior, Dwarf (Balthasar), in various directions, overwhelmed accompanied by musicians, going the music, then the music stops and they are invited to come in. followed by a few shouts. 2 old men. with the joy that falls over the vil- by people’s houses on Christmas lage, amplified by the clinking of the Eve, especially where they have The star host looks for the team with tiny bells they have tied around their marriageable girls, and on Christmas whom to learn the religious theatre ankles. evenings they organise the dance at the Cultural Centre. parts that they have inherited from their ancestors and that they guard Before each gate, one of those who As the commune is located on five with great care. carry the star, after greeting the hills, the boys gather in several host with “Good Christmas evening” groups, such as: the group of Osoiele- Bogomir, the group of Prelucele, the group of Bucea, the group of Susani and the group of Josani.

The boys’ carolling is prepared beforehand. Starting with St. Nicho- las’ Day, two of the young men, the carollers’ hosts, gather their mates and begin to learn the carols and the parts each of them has.

The carollers’ host has to engage his musicians and to buy the wine offered to all those who take part in the dance.

Dressed in folk costume, wearing black astrakhan fur hats, they set to

28 29 Rural Romania – No. 13

People Photographs: LAG Țara Vrancei He is a simple, modest man, proud Șerban Terțiu - Wooden masks, of his works, which can be seen in exhibitions at the Museum of the Romanian Peasant in Bucharest, the one of a kind, tradition and handicraft Astra Museum in Sibiu, and at fairs and traditional festivals in the entire country. “Eternity was born in the village” – it is a motto we hear quite often. We will understand it best only when we see an artisan carving a piece of wood, a well-chosen one, with an old knife, inherited from his father. A knife dulled with la- bour, where you can still see the seal of the smith that made it dozens or hundreds of years ago.

This is how we met Șerban Terțiu, Nereju, in Țara Vrancei. Thus comes Șerban Terțiu is one of the very few carving with his huge knife a piece of to life an ugly mask, witness of the artisans who still make traditional He has made masks out of wood alder tree, giving it a human shape, in Dacian myths, a mask worn at the masks out of wood or leather, hand- or leather for as long as he can his workshop in Chiricari, a hamlet wake, which wards off evil spirits, in made masks specific to the traditions remember, and he has learned this on the hills of the commune of a strange, fast-paced, noisy dance. of the mountains of Țara Vrancei. art-like craft from his father, Pavel Terțiu, one of the great artisans in Vrancea, who has learned the craft from his father, Ion Amăriei Ursu. Șerban Terțiu still uses the tools his father and his grandfather had used, calling them by their names: “cârlan” – the curved knife which he uses to carve the inside of the piece of wood that would become a mask, “cuțitoaie,” “șfredel,” “coarbă,” a tool he uses to pierce holes into the horns that he sticks to the mask, and “criță” – the saw with a thin blade.

Home at master Șerban, on the hills of Nereju, where the landscape seems out of a fairy tale, masks occupy an important place, hung on walls, among many diplomas, posters and photos of his father, a renowned sculptor, whose works can be seen at the Art Galleries in Focșani.

Șerban is a warm, welcoming man, he smiles when he tells us how he goes to festivals around the country, by minibus or by train, carrying the masks in suitcases or bags. He looks proudly at a large wooden mask, with ram’s horns, hung on the wall, next to the Țara Vrancei flag.

He says wooden masks are more difficult to make, that he only makes one every day, whereas it is easier to make masks out of goatskin or sheep-

30 31 Rural Romania – No. 13

mension of Romanian folk culture. It may seem hard to believe, but the artisan has made a living his entire life by making masks, carrying his ancestors’ traditions and customs in Photographs: LAG Țara Vrancei the whole country. Our man of Nere- ju remembers with nostalgia that before 1989 he had more orders than he could honour, and his traditional masks were exhibited at the Village Museum in Bucharest or the Culture House in Focșani. Nowadays, he is optimistic and pleased when people admire his work and appreciate his talent. The simplicity he shows when he tells about his craft increases the and then he stops working and tells The threads she uses are dyed natu- odd beauty of the masks made by his us how he goes to traditional festivals rally, by traditional methods, using hands. all around the country, and the hu- walnut shells, alder tree, onion, elder man shape of the wood can be seen tree or mulberry leaves and aromatic ever more clearly, and it seems to plants. The craft of traditional masks smile at the artisan. is a custom that needs to last. Together, the two artisans whose That is why we should appreci- Lenuța Terțiu, the artisan’s wife, is workshop we have visited are proud ate the preoccupation of the Lo- employed at the Art School, too. At of their works, so beautiful and cal Action Group Țara Vrancei, skin, and that he can even make two will be carried on by two of his four draws quickly the shape of a human a loom that she keeps in the family’s special, objects of great artistic and which promotes this tradition a day. He uses softwood, from alder, daughters. Șerban knows the value face, in pencil, a few inches away workshop, she makes fabrics, hucka- spiritual value. of the Terțiu family, because linden, willow or aspen trees. He also of the art he does with so much love, backs and traditional towels, specific from the edge of the wood. He is skil- the spirituality of a nation is uses beans for the teeth, animal hair which is why, as an employee of the ful and pays attention when he uses to Țara Vrancei. She has learned the Șerban Terțiu’s workshop, a land of defined, above all, by the values and ram’s horns. The tools, as we Art School in Focșani, he has formed the big knife, the freshly cut slivers craft of weaving from her mother. a world long gone, reveals us a di- have mentioned, are old, inherited a group of students whom he teach- of wood collect on the floor, and the of its folk culture. Șerban Ter- from the family, and so are the pat- es the secrets of making a traditional wood seems to go soft in his hands. țiu’s masks were much appreci- terns he uses, as well as the meth- mask. He is pleased with their work Following the pencilled line, his old ated in Brussels, at the Festival ods to wash and dry the skins. Every and he trusts his craft will be carried special knife splits small pieces of of Local Products within the mask is one of a kind, no two masks on to other generations. wood, first around the mouth, then event “Open Days 2014,” where look alike, some are happy, others are for the nose and eyes. He instinctive- LAG ȚARA VRANCEI has pro- sad, and some are painted carefully The artisan turns serious when he sits ly pierces holes into the piece of wood moted the traditional products by the artisan whose hair has turned on the cooperage chair; he adjusts his by hand, and then he uses a saw with and the artisans of the region. white with time. tools and grabs a piece of wood. He a thin blade to carve it. Every now

Șerban says this craft is not for anyone, and that for him, it means a connection with his ancestors, from whom he has inherited the gift of making masks for holidays, for parties, but also for burials, as are those that cover the faces of the men of Nereju when they dance the Chipăruș, a pre-Christian custom unique in the world, observed reli- giously and practised by the people of Nereju until this day, during wakes.

He caresses like a father the hair of a mask and he says, with a note of amusement, that happy masks are easier to sell, because those with horns are more difficult to trans- port. He tells us proudly that his craft

32 33 Rural Romania – No. 13

starting courses on the traditional Artisans carry on the tradition art of sculpting of Maramureş. Well acquainted with local traditions, inspired by local tradition, he makes in Țara Maramureșului spindles, spoons, dish stands, roset- tes, hope chests, carved gates and sty- In Maramureş, weaving is widespread and has a special lised figures, inspired by reality and by the folk mythology of Maramureş. economic importance within the household. There are villages specialised in weaving carpets, bedspreads, cover- As his two sons have not followed in his footsteps, he initiates with great lets, but also tablecloths, sheets, towels and knapsacks. Be- pleasure other young people to the dspreads are thick woollen fabrics, made particularly to secrets of the traditional carving craft. cover the bed, but also as a decorative element inside the house, where they attract attention by the refinement of their composition.

mong the textile artistic achi- by men, due to the ease to obtain it, evements of Maramureş, co- the possibilities for processing, even Averlets have the most impor- with rudimentary means, as well as tant place. The quality of the fabric, to its multiple and varied uses. closets, swings, chests, tables, shel- the chromatic values and the entire ves, corner closets, hangers for jugs, ornamental composition place them In Maramureș, there are no hou- dish and spoon stands. among the greatest artistic creations sehold items whose raw material is of our country. As in all the manifes- not wood. Among these we mention: At the middle of the 18th century, in tations of our folk art, carpets have a wells, fences, stiles, bridges and, last Nicula, Cluj County, the first icons on Maria Moldovan, great ornamental and chromatic va- but not least, churches and their ga- glass were painted. This technique bedspread weaver riety, keeping the elements of a uni- tes, which are defining for this region has developed in close connection tary artistic style, characteristic to of our country. with the emergence of glass casting She was born on 15 February 1930, in the region where they are produced. workshops. Vadu Izei. She learned the craft from Furniture is another important ca- her mother. She has worked since she It is a known fact that wood is one of tegory of wooden artistic products, The creators of these icons on glass was 21. the oldest raw materials processed among which are benches, chairs, are Romanian peasants who, with a small stock of knowledge, have ma- When she doesn’t weave, she takes naged to give life to works of a par- care of the household, of agriculture ticular artistic value, which can be and the flower garden, which is very seen today in all the great museums Vasile Apan, participated to several folk art exhibi- dear to her. of the country and in private collecti- woodcarver tions in the country and abroad (1970 ons in Romania and abroad. in The Netherlands, in The Hague, She makes bedspreads of various si- He was born in 1 January 1938, in with a traditional mask exhibition zes, with wonderful patterns, specific Vadu Izei, as the second son of the vi- from Vadu Izei-Maramureş). to the region of Vadu Izei. In 1997, llage innkeeper. He inherits the skill she opened her traditional works- to carve wood from his father, but he He made a 13-metre-tall spindle with hop, with the support of the O.V.R. perfects this skill by working in the bells in the public garden of Brai- “Agro-Tur-Art” Foundation and the team of master Gheorghe Borodi. ne-le-Comte – Belgium. Together PHARE Rural tourism programme, with Bledea Petru, his brother-in- coordinated by O.V.R. International. He has worked since 1965 and makes law, and Liviu and Vasile, his ne- The workshop is always open to visi- several Maramuresan gates, both in phews, he also carved the gate to the tors willing to learn the way the tra- Vadu Izei, and in other regions of the entrance of this Belgian park. ditional bedspreads of Vadu Izei are country. made, woven at the loom by the old He was supported by the O.V.R. custom of Maramureş. Encouraged by master Vasile Kazar, “Agro-Tur-Art” Foundation and the who made his summer house in Vadu PHARE Rural tourism programme Today, in her old age, she works with Izei in 1967, Vasile Apan began wor- in 1997, coordinated by O.V.R. Inter- great pleasure and creates authentic king on figurative objects (totems) national, to build a workshop, where objects, using mostly white, black and red, typical colours of Vadu Izei. Photographs: Ioan Borlean that were particularly expressive. He he receives visitors, as well as to give

34 35 Rural Romania – No. 13

Ileana Borlean, carpet weaver

She was born on 25 November 1972, in Vadu Izei. She learned the craft from her mother, as well as choosing carpets.

In 1995 she started experimenting with vegetable dyes and then made carpets in the traditional style of Maramureş.

She dyes wool with the plants she picks and prepares beforehand for the time when she starts dying the wool from the Turcana sheep.

She took a training course on fabrics and dying wool, supported by the O.V.R. “Agro-Tur-Art” Foundation and the PHARE Rural tourism programme, coordinated by O.V.R.

In 1997, supported by O.V.R. International, she opened a traditional dyeing workshop, for visitors interested in discovering the old custom of weaving at the loom and vegetable dyeing. The colours are typical to the area, and she uses white, black, red, yellow and green. Photographs: Ioan Borlean

Ioan Borlean, painter of icons on glass

He was born on 15 March 1958, in Vadu Izei. Mostly self-taught, a sensible, curious and polyvalent person, he dedicated his life to art, where he has preserved the entire spirituality and luminous modesty of old Ma- ramureş. His paintings preserve the traditions of his native village.

He has had countless exhibitions in Belgium, France, England and Romania. His icons can also be found in private collections in Roma- nia, Germany, England, Belgium, the United States, Denmark, France, Italy or Japan.

Ioan Borlean is also an active member of the “Ţara Maramureşului” Association, which promotes the development of Maramureş, the land of dances, generosity and dynamics, which has preserved its extraordinary traditional cultural heritage.

Here, tradition is considered a resource for the future, and not a relic, which is why Ţara Maramureşului can evolve without losing its soul.

36 37 Rural Romania – No. 13

Experiences: My business

The “Cămara Sărulești” Association

The first “step” we will take into Cămara Sărulești is related to the beginning ofthis Photographs: The “Cămara Sărulești” Association & Iuliana Căutiș business. To this end, we spoke with Mrs Silvia Anghel, president and founding member of the “Cămara Sărulești” Association.

Please tell us when did it all be- ity. We began the selection among tial, so we started to make preserves gin and under what auspices? the women of our community and we based on traditional recipes from our chose 20 of them, open to the idea of grandmothers, without preservatives Silvia Anghel: In the year 2010, a social enterprise. or additives: jam, fruit compote, za- the Soros Foundation, within the cusca, pickles. We made a few series Rures project, a social economy pro- The beginning was difficult, be- and we saw they were successful. ject, began the selection of certain cause in Romania the concept of so- communities of Romania (eventual- cial enterprise was something new. ly there were 25 communities, 3 of However, we started with a lot of Where did you get the raw mate- which were from Călărași County), enthusiasm. Located in a flat area, rial for the preserves and where in order to start social enterprises. the plain of Bărăgan, where agricul- did you make them? The conditions imposed were rath- ture prevailed, we wondered what er tough, requiring the participation we could do to start a viable enter- Silvia Anghel: We picked the fruit of a community with real problems, prise. Helped by the counsellor from in our community, and grew vegeta- where the workforce deficit should the Soros Foundation, who was by bles in a garden set on the land giv- be large. As in our community (but our side during the entire period at en us by the mayor of the commune, not just here), women are disad- the beginning, we concluded that in Călin Petre Alexandru. We made the vantaged because of their restrictive Sărulești we can make traditional preserves in our own houses, because social status, often playing only the winter preserves. With an abundance we did not have a space of our own. a cooker, a blender, a sterilising oven, part of mother and housewife within of cherry plums, we thought we could When we saw that this social enter- all we needed to make traditional Ro- the household, without bringing in start by making cherry plum tree. prise was beginning to take shape, we manian preserves. This was our first any money, we thought it would be a Even before founding our enterprise, started the formalities to constitute idea. Becoming a social enterprise good idea to start a social enterprise we began to work as a team, because it. The first step was setting our head that would produce preserves. focused on a strictly feminine activ- the communication side is essen- office. It was given to us by the city hall, in a former cafeteria of the cur- Meanwhile, because the founda- rent Middle School “Sărulești Gară”. tion already owned confectionery The space needed to be refurbished, and pastry machinery, they thought because the building was rather dam- we could diversify our activity. The aged. We needed a lot of money for space did not allow us to carry out that, which we were given by spon- both activities, so we had to choose sors and by the Soros Foundation, between making preserves or pastry through the SEN project. The next and confectionery products. We de- step was setting the legal base of the cided upon the latter, because they enterprise, and the formalities took are valorised more quickly. As we are more than a year, until the end of a social enterprise, the profit is then 2012. reinvested in the business, so the activity takes a quicker pace. As for the legal status, we were founded as a profit-making NGO, the “Că- We did not fully give up the idea of mara Sărulești” Association, made of making traditional preserves, but we 12 founding members, among which need to expand in order to do that, we was the social enterprise. need more space.

The foundation truly helped us, and The activity of our enterprise started its counsellor offered us advice that on 1 November 2014, after we have we needed for each stage of the con- fulfilled all the conditions of the San- stitution. At the same time, the foun- itary-Veterinary Department, which dation offered us, from the project has helped us kindly to obtain our funds, all the appliances we needed: operating permit.

38 39 Rural Romania – No. 13

My community

The “Valea Mostiștei” Ensemble – promoter of local customs and traditions

The commune Sărulești is mentioned for the first time in the beneficence act of prince Radu cel Frumos (1463). Un- til the year 1962, the commu- desserts, as well. Cakes are the most ne was called Pârlita, which popular during this time of year, fol- may be connected either to the lowed by sponge cakes with various customs of the locals to burn appetizing fillings, as well as fruit- the lands and houses before cakes, which we hope will be ordered

Ottoman invaders, who put Photographs: Nicolae Ghedzira What is your staff now? Silvia Anghel: After getting our in a great amount. permit, for a month we baked prod- to fire and sword the villa- Silvia Anghel: Two people work ucts that we donated to children from ges to the north of the Danu- in the laboratory now, and they were the school and to people in need. Finally, please tell us if you are be River, or to the plague that offered training and a three-month pleased with what you have wreaked havoc in the time of internship at the Novotel Hotel by We participated at an outdoor activ- achieved and whether you ruler Caragea-Vodă and whi- the foundation, where they acquired ity, together with the pupils, and we would like to change anything? ch did not miss the villages of knowledge and skills they needed for made winter salad. Then everyone the profession of confectioner and who attended was invited to lunch, Silvia Anghel: I have to say it has the commune. The people of pastry maker. Our activity starts at where, besides the salad we had been difficult, we have come across these villages, hoping they wo- six in the morning and ends at six made, we also served 400 cabbage bureaucracy many times, but we uld escape, burned the houses mobilised and we surpassed every in the afternoon, and we do it with rolls cooked by ourselves. and the land, moving from one How did you get the idea of Nicolae Ghedzira: It is not easy difficulty. There was no door that we abnegation and creativity, in order starting a folk dance ensemble? to quantify the advantages, because could not open. On the other hand, bank of the Mostiștea River to to obtain natural products based on For Christmas, we thought about the degree of satisfaction cannot be we have been helped and supported traditional recipes, like home-made offering pupils little packages with the other. Nicolae Ghedzira: The dance en- by the authorities (the City Hall and easily measured. If we are speaking desserts. As ingredients we use but- gingerbread figures, a product that is semble was founded in 2009 and it the Sanitary-Veterinary Department) of advantages, we could think, first ter, milk, eggs, cheese, flour, sugar, specific to this time of year. By Decree 799/1964, the com- is financed by the City Hall of Com- and we created a beginning that we of all, of a new way of education and and we don’t add preservatives, col- mune Pârlita received the mune Sărulești. It was created as an would like to take further. The profit training that our children can enjoy. ouring agents or premixes. we make will be invested in develop- name Sărulești, related to the instrument that would preserve and Music and dance make a common As the winter holidays are draw- ing the enterprise. We will expand traditional way of salt to the promote local traditions and cus- language, which creates unsuspected ing near, what products will you our activity to making traditional harbours of the Danube Ri- toms, while providing an atypical connections. The youth and eventu- What are the products you make approach of training and educating make? winter preserves. But we should not ver at that time, Oltenița and ally the parents become more relaxed and who are they intended for? forget that our goal is helping people children. The ensemble was sup- and responsible. They feel imbued Silvia Anghel: On the holiday tain need, and we have to persevere to Cornățel, a way paved at the posed to become a common denom- with the importance of their partic- Silvia Anghel: We mostly make ble, along traditional foods, there are this end. beginning of the salt trade, by inator of all the factors interested in ipation along with the children, at pastry products: apple and cheese the Prahova Salt mines. promoting a different image of our events whose introduction usually strudels, fruit cakes, doughnuts, gin- commune and its people, a means sounds like: Coming up next, from gerbread, cookies, even pizza, which for institutionalizing the communi- Romania, Călărași, the Folk dance are destined to pupils, most of the fter this short introduction of ty-school-public administration part- ensemble “Valea Mostiștei!” times, for their lunch break, but we the locality Sărulești, offered nership. This type of partnership has also make cakes, when we take or- Aby Mr Nicolae Ghedzira, an added new value to the local social ders for various events: anniversa- expert in Rural Development within capital, which, slowly but steadily, What is the activity of the en- ries, birthdays, weddings, christen- the LAG “Valea Mostiștei,” we speak is created and consolidated through semble – the events and compe- ings, etc. People have already started to him, in his capacity of founder such initiatives. Even though the idea titions it participates at and the to hear about us, and our prices are of the Folk dance ensemble “Valea belonged to the local administration, prizes it has received? affordable. Mostiștei,” asking him to provide the school and the community of- us details about its foundation, its fered a quick, adequate response. Nicolae Ghedzira: The ensemble members, and to tell us what makes promotes folk costumes, the danc- As a social enterprise, have you it special among other ensembles and Perhaps you should highlight es and traditions of the region. The carried out any activities to help what its activity is during the winter the advantages of this partner- quality of the artistic manifestations, those in need? holidays. ship. offered by the members of the dance

40 41 Rural Romania – No. 13 Photographs: Nicolae Ghedzira Sărulești. But many more participate choreography and the transportation at rehearsals. We need backup! The of the ensemble, the school offers the age is not important because, in time, necessary logistics (the venue for re- children grow with the ensemble, hearsals), it takes part in the process they go to other schools and others of selecting the dancers and it iden- take their places. The ensemble is tifies opportunities for participation alive and it transforms, carried on the at various events. The community shoulders of many generations. and, for the most part, the children’s parents support the activity of the Regarding the source of inspira- ensemble by voluntary service and tion, the repertoire of our ensemble sponsorship. The ensemble generates has taken elements specific to the cohesion and collaboration. traditional folk dances from Valea Mostiștei, which were included in ensemble, is the reason why the festivals in Velingrad, Kainardja and series of much appreciated dances by And because we are getting close group is invited to and participates at Silistra, the applauses of the specta- our choreographers. But, taking into to the winter holidays, what are various folk dance festivals in Roma- tors and the awards we have received account the fact that the ensemble the ensemble’s activities for nia and abroad. It is always present have confirmed the professionalism often represents Romania at interna- Christmas and New Year’s Day? at the festival “Hora mare,” organised of these young artists. The ensemble tional festivals and competitions, its every year in Călărași, but it also par- has also been invited to participate repertoire also includes dances spe- Nicolae Ghedzira: During the ticipates at similar events organised at the future editions of these artistic cific to other regions of the country. winter holidays, like every year, our in the localities of the Microregion manifestations. The multi-ethnic composition of the ensemble performs at shows for the Valea Mostiștei. Every time, the ap- area, with a great number of Roma, celebration of the Christmas tree, of preciation of the audience and of Santa Claus’ arrival, together with Now would be the time to speak has stirred interest for the dances those who have analysed the quality that are specific to this ethnic group. carollers; these events are much of the artistic expression has been to us about the members of your loved and awaited by the children. ensemble, how many are there At the moment, our ensemble intro- generous, even to the superlative. An- duces Roma dances in its repertoire. Perhaps this is where we should swering invitations from other coun- and what are the age groups, do more, because there is room for as well as to tell us about the tries, the “Valea Mostiștei” Ensemble With a lot of work and patience, more. The future will definitely see a has represented with great success source of inspiration for the progress to this end. group’s repertoire. master choreographer Mailat Aurel, the commune Săruleşti, the county together with his team of instru- During this time of year, of the winter Călărași, but also Romania. In Tur- Nicolae Ghedzira: The ensemble mentalists, have managed to give holidays, the image of our commune key, at the folk dance festival of Ci- is made of a core of 16 people, boys the dancers certain artistic skills that and its people, with their costumes, narcik, in Bulgaria, at the folk dance and girls, pupils of the Middle School were difficult to imagine at first. With passion that comes from the heart, their dances and their music, creates he has moulded, in time, the children interest and attractiveness. and youth that have been trained by him. The concept of voluntary service The “Valea Mostiștei” Ensemble, has brought countless interventions sprung from the core of this entity, and great support around the ensem- shows that WE CAN! ble, proving that we can.

Speaking of support, how can you define, within the ensemble, the partnership that exists between the local community and the school in the commune?

Nicolae Ghedzira: Beyond the artistic manifestation, the dance ensemble has created a model of good practice, where local factors build a complementary partnership. This is advantageous for everyone. The challenges of supporting the ensemble have created new responsibilities that engage every factor. The local administration financially supports the

42 43 Rural Romania – No. 13

Up-to-date Leader

• Total value of the project: 67,580 Local Action Group Sud-Vest Satu Mare euro. • Irredeemable public grant: 27250 Between a successful story in Europe and a puny, if safe, de euro. • The project enabled the purchase construction for the future of the Romanian village of a performant tractor.

2. Title of the project: Purchase of People in rural areas look 19 territorial and administrative Between 2012 and 2014, after the agricultural machinery by Fami- hopefully towards the most re- divisions, 3 public institutions, 46 calls for selection, 71 projects were ly Enterprise Schradi Istvan from private partners (representatives of submitted, out of which there have cent public-private structure, the locality of Căpleni, Satu Mare companies, individual enterprises, been contracted 52, as follows: 2 County. intended for the improvement authorised natural persons and coop- projects under Measure 41.112, with • Beneficiary: Schradi Istvan Fami- of life and activities in rural eratives) and 32 members of the civil an irredeemable value of 28,000 ly Enterprise. • The project enabled the purchase I am very happy that two natural areas. The media speaks ever sector (NGOs, sports associations, euro, 15 projects under Measure • Total value of the project: 61,876 of musical instruments and uni- persons of our commune will receive places of worship). 41.121, with an irredeemable value forms for the fanfare of the com- funds through the LEADER pro- more often about Local Action euro. of 436,960 euro, 2 projects under • Irredeemable public grant: mune. gramme. Groups, founded under the It is precisely this diversity of part- Measure 41.123, with an irredeema- 19,960 euro. LEADER programme, and we ners that has been the engine of suc- ble value of 281,491 euro, one project • The project enabled the purchase 6. Title of the project: Purchase of Roka Marius-Andrei, mayor of the commune of Căuaș: I want to tell know they are partnerships cess, not easy to attain, but satisfying under Measure 41.141, with an irre- of a performant tractor and a machinery and equipment for and precious. deemable value of 4,500 euro, 6 pro- seeder. public services in the Commune of you that I trust the LEADER pro- between local authorities, the jects under Measure 41.312, with an Foieni, Satu Mare County. gramme, it is very likely that this private and civil sectors and The territory of the Local Action irredeemable value of 152,315 euro, 4 3. Title of the project: Purchase of • Beneficiary: Commune of Foieni. upwards approach will work better that their role is to prepare Group Sud-Vest Satu Mare consists projects under Measure 41.313, with agricultural machinery by Holz- • Total value of the project: 32,240 than others, local actors participate at taking decisions, which makes and implement local develop- of two micro-regions: Micro-region an irredeemable value of 492,831 man Otto Individual Enterprise euro. Tășnad and Micro-region Câmpia euro, 21 projects under Measure from the locality of Tășnad, Satu • Irredeemable public grant: me happy. I am very pleased with ment strategies. Careiului și a Ierului. It includes 18 41.322, with an irredeemable value of Mare County. 26,000 euro. the LAG, because they have local communes (Andrid, Berveni, Cămin, 651,222 euro and one project under • Beneficiary: Holzman Otto Indi- • The project enabled the purchase selection criteria, they highlight the Căpleni, Căuaș, Cehal, Ciumești, Measure 421, with an irredeemable vidual Enterprise. of equipment for the maintenance p[problems and weaknesses of the The LAG has the duty to identify the Foieni, Petrești, Pir, Pișcolt, Sanis- balue of 40,000 euro. • Total value of the project: 63,860 of green spaces. territory, and they find local solu- needs of the Romanian village, to lău, Santău, Săcășeni, Sălacea, Său- euro. tions to them. take decisions regarding the alloca- ca, Tiream, Urziceni) and the city of Finished projects • Irredeemable public grant: The beneficiaries speak about In October 2014, we organised the tion of the financial resources at its Tășnad. The total surface of the terri- 25,750 euro. LAG Sud-Vest Satu Mare So far 6 projects have been finished second edition of the “LEADER Day,” disposal, to implement a local devel- tory is 1,099 km², with 49,560 inhab- • The project enabled the purchase successfully, which we shall mention an important even for our associa- opment strategy, to manage funds itants and a population density of 45 of a performant tractor. Kiss Zoltan, mayor of the commune as follows. tion, which capitalises on the work of with utmost responsibility, with a per km². of Berveni: I am very pleased with the LAG. The purpose of this event is view to ensuring the sustainable de- 1. Title of the project: Purchase of an 4. Title of the project: Purchase of the LEADER programme and the promoting the LEADER Programme, velopment of the territory that it rep- The Association Local Action Group agricultural tractor by Kind Hen- equipment by SC 2004 SZILAGYI team of LAG Sud-Vest Satu Mare. presenting a summary of the activi- resents. Sud-Vest Satu Mare, through its Lo- riette Individual Enterprise from SRL. There is a close collaboration be- ties carried out by the Association Lo- cal Development Plan, was granted the locality of Căpleni, Satu Mare • Beneficiary: SC 2004 Szilagyi tween the LAG and the commune cal Action Group Sud-Vest Satu Mare The Association Local Action Group the amount of 2,285,270.00 euro, County. SRL. of Berveni. The employees are at at the end of its three-year function- Sud-Vest Satu Mare was founded in out of which 2,087,319.00 euro have • Beneficiary: Kind Henriette Indi- • Total value of the project: 68,075 our disposal anytime and they have ing, promoting successful projects, 2011. The 100 members come from been used for contracting projects. vidual Enterprise. euro. helped us solve the problems that presenting them through the direct have come up. We were among the • Irredeemable public grant: participation of their beneficiaries. 27,449 euro. first to submit projects under Meas- • The project enabled the purchase ure 41.322. We have purchased mu- of agricultural machinery, a disc sical instruments for the fanfare, seeder and a hoeing machine. managing to restart the fanfare in Berveni. Through the same project 5. Title of the project: Purchase of we have equipped the public service musical instruments for the fan- with modern machinery to maintain fare of the Commune of Căpleni. the green spaces in the commune. • Beneficiary: Commune of Căpleni. Mosdoczi Vilhelm, mayor of the • Total value of the project: 25,885 commune of Căpleni: First of all, I euro. am very proud of the success of our • Irredeemable public grant: project, submitted at the LAG Sud- 20,875 euro. Vest Satu Mare, and second of all,

44 45 Rural Romania – No. 13

“Supporting semi-subsistence agri- The Local Action Group cultural farms.”

NICOLAE ROZNOVANU The LAG Nicolae Roznovanu has three more projects due for evalu- The Local Action Group ation within the AFRI structures: NICOLAE ROZNOVANU re- a project notified as eligible under sub-measure 41.111 – “Vocational presents the public-private training, information and diffusion partnership consisting of 56 of knowledge,” with a public value of members, divided as such: 8 9,997 euro and two projects with a public value of 204,933 euro, under public institutions (the city sub-measure 41.322 – “Renovation, of Roznov, the communes of development of villages, improving Dochia, Borlești, Mărgineni, the basic services for the rural eco- Piatra Șoimului, Tazlău, nomy and population and improving the value of the rural heritage.” Zănești and the commune of Balcani, in Bacău County); At the end of November 2014, one 33 economic operators; 15 project under Measure 421 – “Imple- menting cooperation projects,” with NGOs. a public value of 10,000 euro, is due for evaluation at the LAG. The territory LAG Nicolae Roznova- nu belongs to the Nord-Est region of In order to implement the Local De- Romania, it has a surface of 694.01 velopment Strategy, the LAG Nicolae km², it is located in the counties of The office of the LAG “Nicolae Roznovanu” – in the commune of Zănești, Neamț County Roznovanu has carried out several Neamț and Bacău and it has a popu- activities to promote the Local Deve- lation of 51,242. the rural economy and population Within the Local Development lopment Strategy and has organised and improving the value of the ru- Strategy of the LAG there has been information events regarding the re- The LAG Nicolae Roznovanu signed ral heritage,” with a total public va- described the development of the sults obtained. its funding agreement on 19.01.2012, lue of 1,152,341 euro. Three projects, agricultural sector by implementing and began its activity per se on making up a public value of 599,749 seven projects contracted by bene- There has been paid special atten- 02.04.2013. The total value of the euro, have been contracted by priva- ficiaries from this sector, namely a Tazlău Monastery – founded by ruler Ștefan cel Mare tion to promoting local culture and strategy is 2,453,659 euro, of which te beneficiaries under sub-measure project with a public value of 40,000 traditions in the presentation mate- the total allocation for the irredee- 41.312 – “Support for the creation euro under sub-measure 41.112 – rials of the LAG, including pictures mable grant for the projects submit- and development of micro-enterpri- “Setting up of young farmers” and six of cultural sights, in order to raise ted under the measures included in ses,” in three localities in rural areas projects with a public value of 27,000 awareness among the decision fac- the Local Development Strategy is of the LAG’s territory. euro under sub-measure 41.141 – 2,044,716 euro. tors from Neamț County, with a view to supporting their rehabilitation, as Until 30 November 2014, the LAG well as among the people living in the Nicolae Roznovanu submitted at the territory, who have begun to under- AFRI projects amounting to a to- stand the value of traditional culture, tal eligible value of 2,033,930 euro, the movable and immovable treasure which means a degree of absorption inherited. of 99.47%, and the value of the contracted projects, on the same date, Promoting and supporting is 1,819,090 euro, which means an the values of traditional 88.97% percentage. culture and the local customs of the territory of At present, there are being imple- the LAG Nicolae Roznovanu mented 19 projects contracted by is the main purpose public and private beneficiaries. Nine of the inter-territorial of them are contracted by the com- cooperation project, within munes of the LAG Nicolae Rozno- a partnership concluded vanu under the sub-measure 41.322 with six other LAGs of – “Renovation, development of villa- Romania. ges, improving the basic services for Members of the “Miorița” Folkloric Ensemble – Piatra Șoimului, Neamț County Traditional boarding house “Casa Bunicii” – Tazlău, Neamț County

46 47 Rural Romania – No. 13

M.A.R.D. events

aspects: enabling the transformation The meeting of the most representative members of and modernisation of agriculture to make it more competitive and to

NRDN – “Social economy in rural areas” contribute to economic growth in the Photos: www.rndr.ro territory; valorising the natural and cultural potential and the geograph- On 20 and 21 November ical location of the territory, with a view to supporting the development 2014, the Golden Tulip of recreational tourism, supporting Times Hotel in Bucha- the development of entrepreneurship and enabling the transition of the rest hosted the meeting workforce in the agricultural field to local authorities; a well-developed ing poverty, social inclusion and the of the most represen- non-agricultural economic sectors. marketing strategy; the members’ sustainable development of the com- experience in managing businesses, munity. tative members of the Within the conference there have along with a lot of work, seriousness, NRDN, with the topic been presented, in two separate mo- good collaboration and tolerance be- The social enterprise “Cuptorul de ments of its programme, Successful tween the members of the associa- basm,” part of the IMPACT Associ- “Social economy in ru- examples of developing social enter- tion. Within an Education for health ation, places on the market bakery ral areas.” prises in rural areas. project there was concluded a part- products made with traditional reci- nership with the Middle School Teliu, pes, baked in traditional wood-fired A first set of examples referred to: which has enabled the purchase of ovens: bread, round bread, bread- After the opening speech, given by paving blocks and roof bricks pro- personal hygiene products worth sticks, jam croissants, apple rolls, Mrs Viviana Vasile, team leader with- duction; carpentry; pastry and con- 4,030 lei, from the association’s cakes, sponge cakes etc. in the Support Unit of the National Unfortunately, a study of the Euro- localities as regards good practices of fectionery products; firewood dis- funds, and there were identified six Rural Development Network, the pean Commission regarding the co- Roma inclusion. tribution; hairdressing services; children from families with a poor fi- The social enterprise promotes social agenda of the event was presented. operative sector has shown that Ro- agricultural services. The floor was nancial situation, who have received inclusion by offering jobs to disad- mania has the lowest market share in The second part of the conference given to Ionuț Androne, from the free haircuts. vantaged people from the commune County Support Group for Social The series of the presentations was this sector, of just 1%, compared to was opened with the presentation of of Trușești, offering quality products Economy Brașov; Dorinel Țintea, opened by Mr Bogdan Alecu, direc- most EU member states, where the the topic Absorption of funds intend- The second set of examples of suc- to its people. Part of its profit will be from the Social Enterprise Podenii cessful development of social enter- reinvested, and another part will be tor of the MA NRDP, who introduced share is above 10% (The Netherlands, ed for rural areas in the commune of Noi, Prahova County; Silvia Anghel prises referred to textile production, used to support social cases in the the topic NRDP 2014-2020 – Social Denmark, over 70%). The same study Cumpăna, Constanța County, given from “Cămara Sărulești,” Călărași bakery, beekeeping, cold working of community and to release new pro- economy – LEADER. has shown that the tax regime of ag- by deputy mayor Florin Neagu. ricultural cooperatives is the key to County; Gheorghe Percu, from the metals and vegetable growing. The jects. success in Europe and to lack of suc- A second presentation with the to APROD Association of management floor was given to Carmen Popa, On behalf of the Institute of Social cess in Romania. pic Absorption of funds intended and production, Dîlga, Călărași from the “Dor Mărunt” Rural Devel- The BETEL-ROM Association is a Economy, Mrs Ancuța Vameșu par- for rural areas in the micro-region County; Vasile Ghencea, from the opment Association, Călărași Coun- Roma community from the commune ticipated at the meeting, and she pre- The conference continued with the Mostiștei, Călărași County was given Development Association of the ty; Petru Pădureț Nichifor, from of Verești, Suceava County, who live sented the topic The importance of presentation of the topics: Actors by Mr Nicolae Ghedzira, counsellor, commune Măxineni, Brăila County; the IMPACT Association Trușești, by their traditional craft, cold work- social economy in rural areas. With- that develop social enterprises in promoter of the LEADER programme Elena Blendica, from the THELL Botoșani County; Constantin Co- ing of iron and other metals, making in this topic, she highlighted the idea rural areas, given by Mrs Marilena in Călărași County, who explained Community Development Associa- coreanu, from the “Speranța Tudora” pails, cauldrons, tin stoves. The asso- that rural development is a process Andrei, of the “Foundation for an that the micro-region Valea Mostiștei tion, Brașov County. Association, Botoșani County; Viorel ciation consists of 7 members, and the where social economy can provide open society,” followed by Daniela was founded through the LEADER Stănescu, from the BETEL-ROM enterprise has 3 employees. It is hope communities with the instruments to Tarnovschi, the representative of the programme in 2008, by acts of creat- The latter is a social enterprise found- Association Verești, Suceava County; that there will be more, by employing organise and manage/valorise local same foundation, who spoke about ing an associative structure, an NGO, ed with the support of the European Gabriel Ganea, from the AGROSER other young people whose possibili- resources. MERI – Romania. The network of of the LAG (Local Action Group) type. Social Fund, through the RURES Association Gura Șuții, Dâmbovița ties on the work market are limited. mayors making the most of EU funds project “Rural areas and social econ- County. Within social economy, cooperatives for Roma inclusion. At the launching By using the LEADER resources omy in Romania,” implemented by The proceedings of the first day are a form of organisation that has of the network 40 communities have and methodology, the micro-region the Soros Foundation, as beneficiary. The IMPACT Association Trușești closed with Mrs Daniela Giurcă’s several advantages, among which re- expressed their interest, and among Valea Mostiștei will provide its in- from Botoșani County was founded speech, about the topic “The possi- ducing the number of intermediaries the set objectives we mention: raising habitants, until 2020, an adequate The project covered the cost of the within the RURES Project – Rural bilities of funding social enterprises within the supply chain, reducing the the capacity to attract funds for Roma standard of living, by implementing training programmes for entrepre- Areas and Social Economy in Roma- with funds intended to rural areas.” risk of having no sales, ensuring the communities, increasing the degree the sustainable rural development neurship, founding costs and the cost nia, implemented by the Soros Ro- The second day of the conference was supply of the necessary raw materials of influencing political decisions re- process, based on developing local for some of the necessary equipment mania Foundation, aiming, among set aside for a visit to the “Cămara for good quality production for an af- garding the priorities/the need for capacities and valorising the exist- for hairdressing activities. The key to other things, to improve the stand- Sărulești” Association, where there fordable price, opening new perspec- funding to solve problems faced by ing natural resources. In the over- success was justified by the financial ard of living and education of vul- were tasted freshly-baked pastry and tives for the producer/worker who Roma communities, as well as en- all view on territorial development, help upon founding; the local context nerable people, irrespective of sex, confectionery products and another can adopt new technologies to allow abling and promoting exchanges of according to the NRDP, the activ- proper for the chosen business type origin, ethnic group, beliefs and who visit to the commune of Dragoș Vodă, for more productive practices. experience between municipalities/ ity of the LAG focused on three key (a safe sales market); support from is in any form of difficulty, by fight- in Călărași County.

48 49 Rural Romania – No. 13

Meet the NRDN Members

“Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” Academy The Romanian Association of Communes

of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences The Romanian Association of sustainable social and economic devel- Communes (RAC) was found- opment of rural areas, with a view to The national forum of quick-paced elimination of differences ed in 1997 as an association in civilisation from urban areas. Romanian agronomic of local authorities, and its members were the communes Mobilisation and involvement in activ- science, 45 years later ities for the training and development of Romania. Now the number of local elected representatives and of its members amounts to civil servants who can bring efficiency The “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” over 1500 communes from all and dynamics to the local public ad- Academy of Agricultural and the counties of Romania. ministration. Forestry Sciences (AAFS) turns Attracting investments by creating and offering solutions to identified The Romanian Association of Com- 45 this year, under this name, viable partnerships between the lo- problems. Certain provisions of this munes seeks the unitary representa- but its roots date back to the cal public administration of the com- document have been included in the tion of its members’ interests in the 19th century. munes, the civil society and the busi- Governing Programme 2009-2012. relationship with central institutions, ness environment. The association organises its General as well as with European or interna- Meeting every year, attended by over The first institution dedicated to tional ones. From 2006, RAC has been Unitary representation of the com- 400 of the member communes, as well scientific research was founded in a member with full rights in the Coun- 1886, under the title of Central munes’ interests in their relationship as members of the Romanian Govern- cil of European Municipalities and Re- ment. RAC also organises, in partner- Agronomic Station, and in 1895 with the central public administration, gions (CCRE / CEMR), and from 2009 ship with the National Agency of Civil there were founded the first two “At the turn of the year, I wish all farmers, agriculture specialists, and everyone non-governmental organisations and it has been a member of the Network Servants (NACS), as well as with pri- who works for the population to have its necessary food, good health, joy and local and international third parties. research institutes for animal rearing: of Associations of Local Authorities of vate training companies, professional “Pasteur” Veterinary Research many achievements – Happy New Year!” South-East Europe (NALAS). training and refresher courses. Institute and the Zootechnical PhD Prof. Gheorghe SIN, President of the AAFS. The values of RAC Institute. Among the objectives mentioned in The association is involved in the reg- Close to people and together with the fields, determined the foundation, in network and forests, institutes that the statute of the association we can ular organisation of the Forum of Ro- people to solve the local public affairs. At the beginning of the 20th centu- 1962, of the Central Institute of have understood the importance of name: harmonising the interests of manian-French decentralised coop- member communes with a view to eration (together with the Ministry of ry, under the pressure of social and Agricultural Research (CIAR), working towards a common goal, to The capacity to develop a sustainable their balanced economic and social de- Administration and Interior and the economic problems in rural areas, it which functioned until November the national benefit, requesting their partnership with the other associative velopment; promoting forms of recip- Embassy of the French Republic in Ro- became necessary to develop scien- 1969, when the Academy of Agri- integration in the national research structures of the local public adminis- rocal collaboration and mutual aid of mania) and of the Forum of Romani- tific research, for the practical needs cultural and Forestry Sciences system, coordinated by AAFS. tration, with a view to promoting com- the member communes; creating and an-Belgian decentralised cooperation of agriculture. Thus, in 1927 there was founded. mon points, without giving up what maintaining an integrated information (in partnership with the Embassy of was founded the Romanian Insti- A main objective of the AAFS has makes us different, so that we can system, as well as organising teams of the Kingdom of Belgium in Romania). tute of Agricultural Research AAFS has the capacity of legatee by been restoring communication and specialists able to analyse and provide reach the development standards set by accession to the EU. (RIAR). By its structure, consisting right of the scientific, material and collaboration relationships with sim- solutions to solve the problems of the The Romanian Association of Com- of sections and a network of research real estate heritage of the RIAR, the ilar scientific institutes from other communes; professional training and munes has 40 county subsidiaries, Offering each commune of our asso- stations, RIAR was, at the time, the Academy of Agriculture and the countries. It has mostly aimed to con- refresher activities. each of them with their own legal per- ciation the possibility of building and national centre that led the way of CIAR. nect the Romanian scientific activity sonality, that carry out cooperation asserting its local identity within the research work and applying the ob- to the European research space, by Active participation to the improve- services in areas of common interest national, European and international tained results to the production. In its 45 years of existence, AAFS updating the research objectives of ment of the legislative framework, for the member communes, on a coun- space. has followed with perseverance and Romanian agricultural sciences in which is aimed at the interests of the ty level. An important stage in the history of fidelity the major desideratum of relation to European objectives and communes, by creating an active and Responsibility and unity in diversity, agricultural scientific research was constant partnership with the county The association has implemented pro- providing a scientific foundation to the major challenges of the third mil- the guarantee of our success. founding the Romanian Academy Romanian agriculture, for its modern lennium. public administration and the central jects funded by post-accession irre- of Agriculture, in 1941, whose and multifunctional development, public administration. deemable European funds worth over members were great people of the engaging in its process the develop At present, the AAFS concerns refer Activities they carry out Lei 25,000,000, co-funded from the Carrying out actions together with European Social Fund. age: agronomists, foresters, biolo- ment of all rural areas. At the same to a restructuration of the network of the Movement for the Progress of the The association regularly carries out gists, veterinarians and economists. time, it has promoted concerns for research units, focusing its activity on Romanian Village and, implicitly, studies, analyses and research regard- In the period 2007-2013, the Roma- preservation, improvement and problems related to climate change cooperation with it with a view to ing the social and economic situation nian Association of Communes imple- In 1945, the Academy of Agricul- sustainable management of the soil, effects, protecting natural resour editing the monthly magazine “Albina of the Romanian communes, and the mented three large-scale strategic pro- ture is dissolved in an abusive man- waters and biodiversity. AAFS has ces and biodiversity, food safety and românească.” most recent document, The Agen- jects where they were the beneficiary ner. The need for a unitary organisa- developed fruitful collaborations security, as well as a transfer of the da of Romanian Communes, was and managed to obtain the desired re- tion and leadership of the scientific with research institutes for the results of scientific research to agri- Implementing strategies and pro- elaborated in 2012, analysing complex sults, to finish the activities stipulated research activity, within agricultural environment, climate, hydrologic cultural practice. grammes to stimulate a balanced and problems of Romanian communes in the funding agreements.

50 51 Rural Romania – No. 13

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52 Open to the Future

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

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This publication was created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania, within the project “Setting up and supporting the National Rural Development Network”. A project co-financed through EAFRD under Measure 511 of the National Rural Development Program 2007 - 2013. December 2014 The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. Distributed free.