It’s harvest season. In September we predict the weather, therefore the abundance for the coming year. Shepherds come down from the mountains to entrust the animals to their masters. It is said that the brothers St. Dumitru and St. Gheorghe (Oct. 26) agreed that the first must strip the forests and the second calls the men for the harvest festival. Brumarel, it’s the arrival of the mist, we’re finishing the fall work, then everything is getting ready for the wintering. After the harvest, the villagers rejoice in their harvests, meeting around the masquerades; beasts inspire legends. The wine brings back good humor despite the gloom of the weather. November, Vinar is also that of popular medicine, charms, divination. The autumn festivals are dedicated to the wolf. St. Loup (third century martyr, celebrated on August 23) is associated with the rites of protection of the herds against the wolf.

An emblematic character, the priest remains at the center of rural life. He has the good-natured manner of St. Peter. This very faithful saint, keeper of the keys of Paradise, feeds wolves and other wild animals. Traditionally, when he comes down to earth, he undergoes the most human adventures: he has his oxen stolen, he is beaten by the villagers, he gets drunk at the inn. He is the most beloved saint among Romanians.

Coming from Transylvania these dances reflect the spirit of the country, a mixture of joy and sorrow like nature in autumn. Dor, untranslatable word in French has the meaning of nostalgia and desire. The tight dances elevate the mood with their rhythms. Joc, (means game / fun / dance) expresses energy, happiness.

Sung dances: The villagers – Choir Gaudeamus
* Iac-aşa – This is how popular song collected by S. Niculescu
* Sârba în caruţă – Sârba in the cart by Gheorghe Danga
Sârba is a sometimes very lively binary dance, spread throughout the country, has a circular shape. The arms are extended laterally, the hands resting on the neighbors’ shoulders