Seven unusual Romanian traditions

Romania is a distinctive country with its own customs and traditions. It is not necessary to know them all, but if you are going to spend a considerable period of your life here, we advise you to study at least the most basic ones. While the visa is being issued for entry, do just that!

Romania you didn't know about

Despite the fact that Romania appeared on the map of modern Europe a long time ago, our knowledge about it is limited only by Dracula and beautiful Gothic castles. Meanwhile, many other very interesting facts are connected with this country:

• There are as many as 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania - the Danube Delta, the monastery in Horezu, the old town of Sighisoara, villages in Transylvania, the wooden churches of Maramures, the Dacian fortresses in the Orestie mountains and the cathedrals of the historical region of Moldova;
• Romania is the richest country in Europe in terms of resources. On its territory there is oil, gold, coal, salt, iron ore, timber, natural gas, arable land and hydropower resources. True, this does not affect the standard of living of the population;
• 90% of local women have a caesarean section, and those who advocate natural childbirth are jokingly called masochists;
• Many corporations prefer to hire foreigners - they are more responsible and punctual. Romanians can come to the office at half past 11, immediately go to drink coffee, work for 40 minutes and close for lunch;
• The country has very tasty bread - potatoes are added to it;
• Romania is an Orthodox state, but Christmas is celebrated here according to the Catholic custom;
• The people in this country are very peaceful and sympathetic, but if you allow yourself to laugh at their traditions or express disrespect for other people's work, a conflict may arise.

What do Romanians love?

Romanians sacredly honor family values ​​and love their children - there should be many of them in the family. They are also very hospitable and open in communication. Anyone who comes to visit will immediately be given tea, or even something stronger. You should not refuse lunch - this can offend the hospitable hosts. By the way, the locals love meat and spices (the influence of Turkish cuisine affected). Here everything is cooked with garlic and various spices, from which even dishes familiar to Europeans acquire a new taste. The most popular food in the country is meat in all forms, vegetables, fried fish, hominy and various pastries.

The everyday life of the inhabitants of Romania is very similar to the life of any other country with a socialist past. If in America it is customary to immediately get rid of unnecessary things, then here everything is stored "just in case of a fireman." And the local people are very fond of cigarettes. There is no smoking ban in the country - they smoke everywhere they have to (even if there are children nearby). Romanians are no less popular with all kinds of fairs and festivals. They are held almost every month.

7 Unusual Romanian Traditions

So that a tourist trip to Romania does not cause a culture shock, it is worth knowing in advance about the most unusual local traditions:

1. On December 31, housewives prepare a mixture of melted lard and garlic, and then smear thresholds and doors in the house and all outbuildings with it. Also, crosses are drawn with this fat on livestock and each family member. It is believed that this ancient rite serves as the best amulet against devilish tricks.
2. Preparation for a Romanian wedding begins with the fact that the groom's representative goes to the bride's relatives and asks for her hand. This is repeated three times, and only after the third time do the parents agree to the marriage. After that, the size of the ransom and the details of the celebration are discussed. During the wedding itself, the newlyweds ask the guests for forgiveness for possible mistakes made in organizing the ceremony. The wedding can be celebrated throughout the week, or maybe 1 day, but they walk until the morning. By the way, traditional wedding dresses vary greatly depending on the region. And this despite the fact that Romania is not distinguished by a large area.
3. On March 9, Romanian men drink 40 glasses of wine, a tradition associated with the Christian feast of the 40 Martyrs. It is believed that alcohol can make them stronger.
4. Cemeteries in Romania are often located right in the city, so people walk through them like in parks. Romanians also take death very calmly. So, a dead person can lie for 2 days. At this time, everyone comes to say goodbye to him, bring candles and flowers.
5. Romanian children are given 2 names. If there is already a child with that name in the kindergarten or school, then the second one is used.
6. Even in modern houses and apartments there are traditional interior items. For example, paintings on the front door, carved wood on the walls or a “red corner” with icons.
7. In Romania, you can not take pictures of bridges and ports, drive around the city in a dirty car and sleep with your wife on her birthday - all this is punishable by law.