Observed
annually on February 24, Dragobete
is a Romanian holiday that not only celebrates the end of the harsh winter
and the arrival of spring, but also it is a day to celebrate love and romance –
much like a Romanian St. Valentine’s Day.
I hope the coming spring would bring you joy, dear friends!
● A brief historical background
“DRAGOBETE” is a day rich in traditions, which differ
from region to region. In general, nowadays, many Romanians exchange gifts with
their partners as a way of showing their affection for each other.
On
the other hand, according to one of the many legends on the matter, this day is
also known as the day of "The Engagement", "The birds
accompanying" or "The birds wedding." According to a popular
belief, birds gather in flocks, "courting", in an indescribable
turmoil &, until the end, they’ll find their pair. Together they build the
nest in which to grow their offspring. Consistent with the same old legend,
the birds that do not find their pair now, they remain single until next year.
Another
legend says that “Dragobete” was the son of “Baba Dochia”, who is connected
with the return of spring. The traditional story tells us that in the ancient
times, young men and women together would go to search the meadows for fresh
spring flowers. Nonetheless, a beautiful, old, tradition worth sharing further!
NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed).