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| Ghiocei |
As Romanians prepare for spring celebrations on March 1st,
the legends of Mărțișor and Baba Dochia come to mind, memories of childhood,
red and white twisted silk bows with lovely miniature works of art, some
handmade others depicting various symbols of love, friendship and renewal.
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| Martisor |
Ancient folk traditions were passed on from one
generation to the next from Roman times when gold or silver coins were tied to
the blossoming fruit trees or some shrubs such as sweet briar, the tradition
called for sharing of red wine, freshly baked bread and fresh cheese with the
friends and family.
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| Spring Tradition |
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| Burduf Cheese in Pine Bark |
In other places, Mărțișor was worn until the arrival of
migratory birds when it was thrown in the direction from which they came for
future good fortune.
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| Bread Makers |
Baba Dochia in Bucovina is the fairytale about a young princes
that runs to the hills disguised as a shepherdess in order to avoid being given
in marriage to a tyrant ruler.
She dressed warmly with nine sheepskin traditional embroidered
coats to stay warm near her sheep.
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| Cojoc Hand Embroidered |
As she climbed the hills on March 1st, she took off one
coat at the time for nine days, only to get to the top of the mountain where it
was so cold and the ruler’s men were catching up to her.
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| Banat Cojoc Vest |
In her desperation
she fell to her knees and asked God to save her…the wish was granted…she was
turned into a beautiful rock formation for eternity.
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| Babele |
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| White Guba Coats |
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| Moldova Vests and Jacket |
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| Master Cojoc Maker |
The craft of cojoc making is still transcending from
centuries of traditions and regional artistry.
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