March – The Month of Romanian Traditions

The vast heritage of Romanian people includes many traditions and superstitions passed from generation to generation. And March doesn’t hold back when it comes to ancient customs. March is not only bringing long-expected spring, but also lots of superstitions. First part of the month, from the 1st of March to the 9th, is ruled by the “Baba Dochia” or “Babele” Legend.

“Babele” are known to be witches, who have the power to influence the weather in a specific day in this period of time. People have the custom to choose one day of these 9, and given the weather, they know if their year is going to be prosper or not.

The 1st and the 8th of March are the most important. March 1st is considered to be the first day of spring, so men are accustomed to give women a “martisor” and season flowers, especially snowdrops.

“Martisorul” is a small piece of ornament accompanied by a small braided cord from a white thread, symbolizing winter, and a red one, symbolizing spring. Women wear it all month, then, when the month is over, they hang it from a blooming tree branch.

The custom to wear martisor all month resides in the Romanian ancient superstitions. They say it protects the women from evil spirits and brings fortune and wealth in their homes.

Even if it is not a Romanian specific holiday, on the 8th of March people celebrate the International Women’s Day. This celebration has been born from the desire and constant efforts of women all over the world to fight for their right to be equal to men, to have the right to vote and better work terms. In this occasion, women receive flowers and appreciations from men and Mothers from their children.

The next March holiday in Romania is the celebration of the 40 Martyrs. In this day, there are commemorated the 40 Saints from Sevastia, who refused to worship idols, so they were tortured for 8 days straight. According to customs, women prepare 40 pieces of dough (Mucenici), in the shape of 8, anointed with honey and sprinkled with ground nuts, and they share it to people for the souls of the dead. Also, men have to drink 40 glasses of wine or plum brandy (tuica), to be healthy all year long.

Here, at Vatra Restaurant, we honor the Romanian tradition every day, as we know best: with delicious food, cooked the same way our ancestors did, so we don’t let the next generations forget Romanian customs.