Saturday, February 1, 2014

St. Trifon the Protector of Vineyards



                                                                 Voyages of Discovery



The daily rituals of bringing food and wine to the table start in the fields, orchards and vineyards, getting the earth ready, planting, blessing and caring for the new harvest.

                                                      





Romanian folk tradition tells us that St. Trifon has power over the start of spring when the earth is renewing from the mist of melted snow, days are getting longer and the sun is caressing the future buds of vines and fruit trees.




First of February commemorates the day of St. Trifon and in order to ensure fertility of orchards and vineyards the folks are fasting, the priests are blessing gardens and vineyards with holy water.





In southern Oltenia there is a complex ritual of preparation of the vines for the new season, known as Arezeanul. They trim the grape vines and keep smoldering fires on the edges of the vineyards to keep evil forces away.





In areas of Transylvania and Banat on February 1 after pruning the orchards holy water would be sprinkled for a good harvest and the people would go in procession back to their village wearing head wreaths made ​​from first cuts. 

 
Pork Stew Over Polenta

Cozonac

Ghiudem

Potato Soup


Traditional Romanian Restaurant


Home they were greeted by abundant bowls and platters filled with regional dishes a symbol of the future rich wine production.
         



                                                         



As patron of vineyards, orchards and birds, St. Trifon is depicted in iconography with a pruning tool in hand, with a sprig of vine or a falcon on his arm.