In Neamt County the beginning of spring is full of traditions and legends that are still kept through time. Between March 1 and 9 there is a very old tradition that states that each person should chose one of these days and say “asta-I Baba mea” (“this is my Elder lady”). The idea is to pick a day and see how your entire year will be.

The first 9 days of spring also called “the days of the elder ladies” bring with them unstable weather. This tradition is related to Dochia that is described by legends as a strong and evil woman that fears nothing. To bring her sheep to the mountain as fast as possible she sends her daughter in law to bring her some strawberries on a cold weather. Because it was too cold and she could not find strawberries on the mountain, the girl picks up some fruits from another location. Dochia thinks that spring has arrived in the mountains: so she takes 9 thick clothes with her and goes with her sheep. After 9 days she arrives at the top of the mountain where a cold wind transform her and the sheep in stones.

Some superstitions are related to March 1st, the first day of spring or the day of Dochia. According to tradition, if March 1 has nice weather then spring and summer will be sunny. In the old days on March 1 people did not worked so that Dochia would not be upset.