The traditional culture of the Romanian people has evolved over the centuries. The local inhabitants composed terrible legends about the vampire count, bloodthirsty dragons and terrible dungeons in which tortured prisoners languish. At the mention of Romania, films come to mind where ghosts live in old castles, and silver bullets serve as the main weapons of the heroes. In fact, the traditions of Romania are hospitality and love for one's neighbor, and the peculiarities of the life of its people are permeated with positive and sunny colors.
Red corner
Romanian houses have always been distinguished by their varied interiors, dominated by rich colors. Embroidered tablecloths and homespun rugs, colorful towels and painted earthenware - once in such a hut, the traveler begins to feel like in an old fairy tale. According to Romanian tradition, the red corner of every house is just a wall facing east. It is given over to images and icons, and all the others are busy with embroidery and decorative ceramics.
In the old days, every girl from childhood prepared a dowry for herself. For these purposes, the houses had carved chests covered with homespun carpets. This tradition in Romania has survived to this day, but only in the countryside, whose inhabitants most often wear national clothes.
We ask for the table
The traditional cuisine of the people of Romania is very hearty and thorough. All dishes are cooked on an open fire or in an oven, and even vegetables are often baked or fried here. Meat is the basis of Romanian cuisine. Fish is much less common on the tables of local residents, but dairy products can be seen at breakfast and dinner. Homemade feta cheese and cabbage rolls from sauerkraut leaves seem especially tasty to the guests of the country.
The head of the family begins the meal and directs the conversation. Young people in Romania honor their elders, and therefore parents or grandfathers usually say toasts. Wine appears on the tables of Romanians regardless of the time of the meal, because it is considered the national drink in the republic.
Useful little things
- When deciding which souvenirs from Romania to bring home, pay attention to the national embroidery. Napkins and blouses, towels and even paintings made with a cross in gold or silver thread are real works of art in Transylvania. Black ceramics and stone carvings are no less popular with tourists.
- Having received an invitation to a Romanian wedding, be sure to agree. A colorful and vivid wedding ceremony and celebration for several days will be the most vivid impression of a trip to Romania.
