A collection of illustrations depicting traditional Romanian customs performed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Shop the collection here.
CU CAPRA / THE GOAT DANCE
A traditional Romanian dance performed around the New Year. It's executed by a young man wearing an embellished traditional blanket or sheep skin on his back and a wooden goat head with a mobile jaw that clacks rythmically. Together with his companions, they go from house to house as part of a ritual that symbolises rebirth and revival.
CU COLINDA / CAROLERS
Between December 24th and January 1st, Romanians celebrate the birth of Christ and a new beginning by singing traditional carols, carrying well wishes for health and prosperity from one house to another. Groups of carolers gather and start singing outside the hostʼs home, being rewarded in the end with apples, walnuts and bread.
CU SORCOVA
A traditional Romanian custom performed on the morning of January 1st, usually by children. Its name refers to the object that accompanies the song - a stick or a twig decorated with colourful paper flowers, tassels and tinsel. “Sorcova” is used like a magic wand by repeatedly tapping a person with it while wishing them health and prosperity.
CU STEAUA / THE STAR
A traditional Romanian custom performed between Christmas Eve and New Year. It refers to the bright star that announced the birth of Jesus and led the three mages to Him. Children carry a tall wooden star decorated with paper chains, bells or tassels and go from house to house, singing a repertoire of religious songs in front of windows.
CU URSUL / THE BEAR DANCE
An archaic Romanian dance performed around the New Year. It's executed by a young man wearing a real, full bear skin with fur and two large red tassels behind the bearʼs ears. Together with their companions, they go from house to house accompanied by drums and bells as part of a ritual that symbolises rebirth and revival.
