In Romania exists a similar ancient tradition in winter to chase away bad spirits.
"Masks are the members of a group of haters, disguised and masked as they walk from house to house, singing, reciting, playing and playing host to the New Year.
The dance of the masks has pre-Christian origins, when it had ritual functions and represents the struggle between good and evil.
The masks are made of canvas, fur and animal skins, wood, horns and are adorned with multicolored ribbons, colored glass pieces, mirrors. In Ruginoasa, Iasi county, the masks are thickly lined to withstand the blows in the traditional Battle of Ruginoasa."-source Wikipedia
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