Traditional clothing
Traditional clothing in Romania (traditional costume, ethnic dress, portul popular)
The structure of Romanian traditional clothing has remained unchanged throughout history and can be traced back to the earliest times. The basic garment for both men and women is a shirt or chemise, which is made from hemp, linen or woollen fabric. This was tied round the waist using a fabric belt, narrow for women and wider for men. The cut of this basic chemise is similar for men and women.
Traditional dance
Romanian traditional dance
A rich variety of traditional dances still exists in Romania due to the continuation of the feudal system until the mid 19th century and subsequently the isolation imposed by Ceausescu, which resulted in the continuance of a peasant life style. Romania is a unique European country as its folklore still exists in its natural environment, but this is now fast vanishing with spread of western culture and modern technology.
Traditional music
Romanian traditional music
The earliest music was played on various pipes with rhythmical accompaniment later added by a cobza. The bagpipe was popular from medieval times, as it was in most European countries, but became rare in recent times before a 20th century revival. Since its introduction the violin has influenced the music in all regions by becoming the principal melody instrument. Each region has its own combination of instruments, old and new, and its own unique sound. This continues to develop to the present day with the most recent additions being electric keyboards and drum sets.
Ethnographic regions
Romanian ethnographic zones and history
These pages summarise the history of the space of Romania and the peoples who have lived there with the purpose of putting the Romanians and their folklore in context. Some elements of the folklore are part of recent fashions or events, but some have their roots far deeper in history. Ethnographic zones are defined as “a large or small territory precisely delimitated which presents united ethnographic characteristics determined by the traditions of socio-history crystallised in the manner it is placed, and the occupations, costumes, popular art, habitations.”