dancing the Hora. Hora is a national dance that requires a relatively large group of people to
hold hands and form a circle. There can be several circles one inside of the other, all moving in
opposite directions. All this dancing is accompanied by live music. The most popular Moldovan
musical instruments are ţîmbal, cimpoi, fluer, nai, cobza, and toba. The rhythm of Moldovan
national music is generally upbeat and joyful, however many slower lyrical motives are present.
One of the primary sources of Moldovan national music is the Doina. Doina is a lyrical song
which appeared on the territory of Moldova before the invasion of the Romans around 100 A.D.
This song is somewhat bitter and mellow and is usually sung in moments of grief and mourning.
Another popular musical tradition is Colinda, which appeared during the birth of Christianity.
Colinda can be both used as a noun and a verb representing the action of singing a Colinda. The
process of Colinda entails a group of people going from door to door dressed in national clothes,
with masks and animal furs, singing song, playing music and dancing in exchange for symbolic
gift in the form of food, drink, or some crafted items.
Moldova is located in favorable climate conditions which permits the successful
cultivation of various fruits and vegetables. The country has also developed sheep and goat
herding since B.C times. The Moldovan national foods are abundant in both vegetable and meat
recipes. One of the best known Moldovan national dishes is Mamaliga –a sort of porridge served
with diced meat, sour cream, cottage cheese, eggs, and mujdei. Other popular foods are prepared
from eggplant, peas, bell peppers, lamb, mutton, veal, pork, and rabbit meat.
One of the most ancient traditions in Moldova is pottery
and ceramics crafts in general. Ceramic items are still
popular today and are widely used in households. The
best known pot types are ulcior, burlui, oala, and
gavanos. Ceramic pots are used both to preserve and
prepare traditional foods. For example Ghiveci, a
traditional Moldovan recipe, is prepared in a ceramic
closed bowl placed in the oven and roasted.
What distinguishes Moldovan ceramics is the ornament embossed on the pots, bowls, and jugs. It
is a simple ornament consisting of lines, dots, and circle placed in such a way that provides
uniqueness and originality. Traditional traits can be seen in the form, the colors, ornament, and
the technique of ceramics. Another area of traditional craft is woodcarving. Important witnesses
of national mastery are household items such as tables, chairs, shelves, chests, spindles, shanks,
Magazine Without Borders
Issue n°1
18/45