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Spring traditions

The tradition of the Calusari comes from the ancient times of Dacia and even today still keeps it’s pagan core. Once upon a time, Calusarii were priests of a solar cult. Lead by a great priest, their dances were much more then an initiation, were an exorcism. The great priest was the one that was asking the god for help while leading the army of the Calusari in their war with the evil spirits that took over the villages. More so, they used to take a vow of silence, the only one being allowed to talk being the leader who at varied times was requesting them to release certain war calls.

Martisorul (March 1) is the celebration that brings hope, optimism and faith in a better future, year by year. Now, from the clash between cold and sun rays, between dark and light, life and spring break out in victory. The festival is symbolised by a white and red lace with an amulet (a coin, a shell), that parents used to tie around their children’s joints and young men offered to girls as a sign of good luck and health. In Dobrogea, the March amulet is worn until the coming of the storks, and then it is thrown into the doors, windows and on animals’ horns to cast away bad spirits and to invoke life.