In the Romanian popular tradition masks are worn with the occasion of winter holidays. The masks represent a fantastic world that is born from the traditional thinking. The masks personify spirits of the ancestors, real or fantastic animals, vegetation or water spirits. The masks are used in rituals or dances specific to this time of the year.
Masks contribute to the general winter atmosphere and are part of who we are, of our culture and heritage. The masks represent rebirth, fertility, the resurrection of the vegetation or speak about the image …

The dance of the “goat” is a ritual that is meant to bring good luck in the following year and many new animals to shepherds. The “goat” is a masked man with a large costume and a stick with a carved head that resembles a goat head. The lower jaw is free so the dancer can move it, hence a specific sound of clap-clap. Around the “goat” there are also different singers and other masked men.
Another custom is to walk with the “bear”. This is a geto-dac custom that is …

The old traditions are still kept alive in Neamt County and the creations of the local artisans are proof of this. They manage to create true popular art objects that once were part of the daily tasks but now are just simple decorative objects.
The wood working craft is interesting through the variety of techniques used in creating the objects and the importance that these objects had in a traditional house. Weaving has also a special place in our traditions and that is why many weaved objects were used to decorate …

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 …

December is a month full of religious events, customs and local traditions specific to winter time and the passing of the years. In Neamt County these traditions are still kept alive and they mark not only Christmas but also the New Year’s Eve when rituals of dances and songs celebrate these special moments.
Carols represent the essence of the Orthodox spirituality and of the Romanian people. These songs are played in association with theatrical plays that depict the actual lyrics. Those that sing carols, traditionally are rewarded with nuts, apples and …

Weaving is one of the oldest of crafts in Romania and is still practiced even today in some areas from Neamt County. The women from this area were very careful to the objects that “dressed” the interior of the traditional house. These weaved objects represented the legacy of each family, the social status and were also a proof of the craft of the housekeeper.
Creating these weaves was a traditional task for women during winter. In time this craft produced a wide variety of weaved objects that were beautifully decorated with …