FOLLOWING IN

THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR

ANCESTORS - THE STORYTELLERS

DRAGOBETE
Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday, celebrated on February 24. Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia.

Dragobete, a mythological god similar to Eros or Cupid, is considered Dochias son, a handsome but also a very sparkis man. He was not as gentle as Valentine, but impetuous he used to be for Dacians people a god who had an outer nose, he used to officiate the weddings of all animals in the sky in early springs.

Over the years this tradition has spread for humans, too.

So, on Dragobete, boys and girls meet to keep their love for the whole year, in the same way the birds that "betroth themselves" in this day. The reason for this takingover of the birds custom was deep, because birds were regarded as messengers of the gods, the meaning of the Greek word bird is message from heaven.

Dragobete is a god expresing good-mood and during his birthday parties happen (without the immodest events specific in nowadays) and that used to be the moment when the future marriages were established.

The day is known as "the day when the birds are betrothed".

It is around this time that the birds begin to build their nests and mate. On this day, considered locally the first day of spring, boys and girls gather vernal flowers and sing together.

Maidens used to collect the snow that still lies on the ground in many villages and then melt it, using the water in magic potions throughout the rest of the year.

Those who take part in Dragobete customs are supposed to be protected from illness, especially fevers, for the rest of the year.

If the weather allows, girls and boys pick snowdrops or other early spring plants for the person they are courting.

In Romania, Dragobete is known as a day for lovers, rather like Valentine's Day.

It is a common belief in some parts of Romania that, during this celebration, if you step over your partner's foot, you will have the dominant role in your relationship. Dragobete customs vary from region to region.

On 24 february the tradition says that DRAGOBETELE kisses the girls. So we have thought

to send you
fetching kisses!

MULTILATERAL COMENIUS PROJECT 2013-2015

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.