Romanian culture differs from others in the Eastern European region as well as shares some elements with them. The Romanian legend of Dracula and his Dacian story are unique to Romania.
On the other hand, Romanian Easter egg traditions and folk costumes bear some similarities to those of neighboring countries. Popular costumes are not entirely just for celebrations; While most city residents dress in the current Western style, many in rural areas still wear traditional costumes.
The Roma, or Gypsies, are considered strangers and generally live separately from the rest of the population, on the outskirts of urban areas. They also dress in more traditional and colorful outfits.
An overview of some of the aspects of Romanian culture, such as the Romanian flag, its ancient history, and folk art, will show you how unique this country is. You will get ideas of souvenirs that you can find when you visit Romania and learn about other aspects of Romania that you will find on your visit.
Romanian flag
The Romanian flag is tricolor with three wide vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red. The stripes represent Moldova and Walachia, which were united to form Romania in 1859. Romania has had various flag designs; the latter was adopted in December 1989 after the fall of the Romanian communist government.
Interestingly, the Romanian flag is very similar to the civil flag of Andorra and the flag of the state of Chad, in central Africa. In 2004, Chad asked the United Nations to look into the issue, but the Romanian president responded that no changes would be made.
Christmas traditions
Romanians celebrate Christmas on December 25. Pagan themes of life and death are intertwined with Christian Christmas traditions.
While city dwellers no longer fatten a Christmas pig, most Romanians still maintain the tradition of eating pork for Christmas. Other dishes will accompany the main dish of pork or will be made from pork, and Romanian plum brandy can be served. For dessert, Romanians enjoy a traditional fluffy cake called cozonac .
Romania also has strong Christmas carol customs that reference Romanian folklore. The act of walking through town, or from house to house, singing Christmas carols dates from pre-Christian times. Today, you will see mostly Christmas carols.
The real dracula
Despite popular culture fantasy images of Dracula, this bloodthirsty leader was a real person. Sights throughout Romania, such as Bran Castle, are associated with Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula), and tours and events focus on his legacy.
Bran Castle was a favorite residence of Queen Maria of Romania, and its museum honors the queen and honors the associations the castle has earned with the legend of Dracula.
You can also explore Romania’s Transylvania region, with its own legends and fantasies.
Bucovina
Bucovina, a region of Romania, is famous for its frescoed monasteries and other historic buildings, as well as its natural landscape. These unusual buildings are a must stop on a trip to Romania.
The painted exterior walls of the monasteries are decorated with elaborate frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries, with religious scenes including images of Jesus, angels and demons. You will get an idea of how the villagers imagined heaven and hell from these frescoes.
The fortified Putna Monastery, also in the Bucovina region, is a popular stop. The picturesque monastery complex, built in the 1400s, includes a tower gate, a bell tower, a chapel, a museum, a tower, and the surrounding fortified wall.
trinket
“Martisor” is celebrated on March 1. Martisor is an old way of saying “little March”, and is observed with the delivery of martisor amulets as a way for Romanians to appreciate each other.
Martisor charms may be nothing more than twisted or woven threads, but a small locket or coin is often attached, giving the amulet an individual character. They can also take the shape of a flower, shell, ladybug, heart, or any other shape chosen by the manufacturer.
This tradition welcomes spring and is similar to the Martenitsa holiday in Bulgaria.
Easter in Romania
Easter is an important holiday on the Romanian calendar. Romanians, most of whom adhere to Orthodox Christianity, attach importance to this holiday more than any other, including Christmas.
This day is marked by family gatherings, special meals, and the decoration of Easter eggs in traditional Romanian style. The days leading up to Easter are also important and marked by traditions similar to those of the entire Christian world.
You can visit the Easter markets to learn about some of these customs from previous generations and buy handicrafts made with techniques developed over hundreds of years.
