Strong folk traditions have survived to
this day due to the rural character of the
Romanian communities, which has
resulted in an exceptionally vital and
creative traditional culture. Romania’s rich
folk traditions have been nourished by
many sources, some of which predate the
Roman occupation. Traditional folk arts
include wood carving, ceramics, weaving
and embroidery of costumes, household
decorations, dance, and richly varied folk
music. Ethnographers have tried to collect
in the last two centuries as many
elements as possible: the Museum of the
Romanian Peasant and the Romanian
Academy are currently the main
institutions which systematically organise
the data and continue the research.
Me and a friend in national costumes:
Linen was the most common material for
clothing, combined with wool during the
winter or colder periods. These are
embroidered
with
traditional motifs that vary
from region to region. Black
is the most common colour
used, but red and blue are
predominant in certain
areas. Traditionally, men
wore a white shirt and
pants (if made of wool they
are called ‘itari’) with a
wide leather belt, usually
over the shirt, and a vest
sometimes made of leather and
embroidered. They wore either boots or a
simple shoe made of leather and tied
around the foot called
“opinca” and they wore a
hat which differs in design
from region to region.
Women also wore a white
skirt and a shirt with a vest.
They wore an apron called
“sort” or ‘catrinta’ which is
also embroidered and a
headscarf called ‘basma’; on
special occasions they wore
more elaborate outfits.