DRAGOBETELE

DRAGOBETELEDragobete is the Romanian version of Valentine Day. They say that people who do not celebrate this day will be not loved during the year; instead, those who do, will be in love every day of the current year. Dragobete is celebrated each year on the 24th of February.According to some local legends, Dragobete, a handsome and loving young man, was the son of Baba Dochia- a mythical Romanian character. Dragobetes roots go deep into the culture of our ancestors, the Dacians: he was considered to be a matchmaker and godfather of all animals.

In some parts of Romania, February 24th is considered the first day of spring, a time when nature renews after a hard winter, the bear gets out of his den, the birds start looking for mates and nests, and man also has to participate in the joy of nature through love.According to the Romanian common belief, those who took part in the Dragobete festivities were protected against illness all year long. Early in the morning, dressed up in their best clothes , young people use to meet in the center of the village or outside the church.Then,they go to the forest to pick snowdrops or other spring plants.As they walk there they sing and tell jokes.In the forest,they light fires,gather around them,talk and laugh.The girls pick flowers,which are believed to have special miraculous powers on Dragobete Day. At noon, the girls start running back towards the village, a tradition called zburatorit.

The boys have to chase the girls they like. If the girls are fond of them too, they will allow them to catch and kiss them publicly. This kiss is supposed to seal the ludic engagement of the couples for that year.Young girls collect the snow that still lies in some places and melt it. The water obtained out of the snow is considered to be a magic love potion, which girls would use throughout the whole year.

Women use to touch a man from another village on Dragobetes Day, in order to behave more affectionately for the rest of the year. Young men often go to parties in the neighbouring villages, to have real good summers.So Dragobete is a holiday of love, full of superstitions and special rituals. It was considered to bring luck in all human activities.Farmers believed that Dragobete could help them have a richer year.

People did not work on this day; they considered it a religious holiday. It was believed that this deity would punish the girls who worked on Dragobete day. Dragobete was seen as a protector of love, of young lovers, like a true Romanian Cupid.

Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday originating from Dacian times and celebrated on February, the 24th. Specifically, Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia, which stands for the main character in the pagan myth related to spring arrival and the end of the harsh winter.

The day is particularly 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 care for. 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.

For this special day, the students in our school will draw red roses, hearts, cupids, heart-shaped chocolates.They will display the drawings in a special exhibitionat school.Children will wish each other "Happy Dragobete Day".