The celebration of the New Year's Eve in Romania has a totally traditional flavor. Romanians welcome the New Year with the customs, rituals and conventions that have been around for centuries. The children as well as the adults, take part in the joyous celebrations with great enthusiasm. On New Year's Eve in Romania, small school going children sing Plugusorul and Sorcova. The songs wish good luck, happiness and success.
The day also has goat's game, the bear's game and the masks' game as part of the festivities. These are also old Romanian customs. The Bear, the Goat, the Bunghiers, the Caiutii, the Malanca, the Jiens and the Masked are always expected to make their appearance on the New Year's Eve. All these are associated with the worshipping of Sun. The strength and vitality of the customs is remarkable. The music and dance are combined with highly expressive masks to make a striking combination. Some of the masks are really works of art and the real jewels on them definitely add to their value. |
