Traditional Romanian Crafts

We had the privilege of working with Ioana and her mother on traditional rag masks. They came in traditional dress to help set the stage. We learned that the masks were made for New Year's Eve celebrations and were used to ward away evil spirits, thus setting the tone for the new year. The full-size masks are actually worn to parties.

Ioana shared the tradition of the "martisoare" with the group. A "martisoare" is a small, decorative adornment, worn by women on their jacket or sweater, given by men to women, children to mothers/teachers or children to children. They are symbols of good luck and health (a four-leaf clover or a horse show, for example). Symbollically red and white thread are used to show the purity of the winter and the emergence of spring. The martisoare is given on March 1. Each person in the group received their own.

Ioana showing a martisoare.

The following are examples of full-sized masks made by Ioana and her mother:

The group getting an inttroduction to basic stitching 101

Getting closer to a finished product.

The events of the day concluded with dinner at Hanul din Tulghes,  the second of two restaurants within ASTRA Museum.  After dinner, the students headed back for journaling and reflection, asking themselves, "What was a moment today in which you felt spiritual?" and "What can you take away from today and apply to your life?"