... which is, of course, one way to put it. While in modern times, the Romanian celebration of Dragobete (February 24th) is thought of by many as "the Romanian equivalent to St. Valentine's", it's a tradition that goes way back. And as is the case with many of these once "pagan" holidays, it relates to nature and our earth-dependent survival from one bleary-eyed winter to another.
February 24th might seem like an echo of February 14th. In reality, it marked the kickstart of the agricultural year in this land and with it, heralded the arrival of spring. With this past weekend marking the coldest this winter has yet seen, that last bit is hard to believe. Nevertheless.
Like many a "love god", Dragobete is thought to be the son of Baba Dochia, a long-standing figure in Romanian mythology with its own fascinating backstory, originating in the Roman conquest of our native lands. Dochia, it is said, was the daughter of Dacian King Decebalus (the last king, of course). When the Romans conquered Dacia, it's said Dochia caught the eye of the Roman Emperor Trajan, and was pursued by him up a hill (I think). Realizing she has no hope of escaping her pursuer, Dochia turns for help to the god Zamolxes who agrees to turn her into stone (along with her sheep) rather than let her fall into the enemy's hand.
Of course, there is also a Christian version of Dochia's myth - in this one (where we actually encounter Dragobete), she is an older woman whose impish son marries against her will. Enraged, Baba Dochia torments her daughter-in-law by sending her on impossible tasks - the girl catches the eye (and pity) of Jesus who helps her in her task, also marking the beginning of spring.
But anyway, back to today. It is not spring yet, but that's no reason not to celebrate love. According to folklore, animal sacrifices were banned for this day, since February 24th was a celebration of animal couplings as much as human ones. And though labor was forbidden, it was considered important for folks (particularly the older folk, for some reason) to mind the animals so as to have good, prosperous years ahead.
Interestingly enough, it was considered important for unmarried girls to go and gather the snow on flowers and bushes as "fairy water", thought to make women more attractive and more lovable. Oh well. Lucky me it's been snowing so incessantly, I guess.
The precise manner of celebration you engage in depends largely on what part of the country you come from - for some, it is tradition for young men to chase the girls they like and if they catch them (and the girl likes them back) seal their "engagement" by a kiss for all the village to see. Many traditions involve dancing and telling stories, sharing food (as most folk traditions) and picking ghiocei (snowdrop flowers) symbolizing the beginning of spring.
Tradition also had it that the village girls had to touch a man on this day (so as to be lucky in love throughout the year), while the boys/men were careful not to upset their wives, sisters and mothers (so as to have a year without conflict).
It also depends on what century you come from. Alas, in modern times, in big cities at least, Dragobete goes by without much of a fuss being largely regarded as St. Valentine's lamer cousin. If couples do celebrate, it's typically by mimicking the usual St. V traditions - chocolates, flowers, etc. Lucky for big stores, eh?
While personally I don't celebrate Dragobete any more than I do St. Valentine's Day, I do harbor a love and penchant for our own national folklore and traditions. I'm certainly not quick to trade our Romanian values and our mythology for mass-produced, globalized concepts (even as I appreciate the positive effects of globalization in other areas).
So I thought I'd tell you about it. Oh yes, the title. Dragobete is also known as "Năvalnicul" (=the impetuous), as he was something of a rascal and a devil and known to be an ardent pursuer of the fairer sex and all that. Personally, I think it's a much more appealing nickname than Saint Valentine's, or Saint Vali as he's known here, don't you?
Happy Dragobete :)
Dragobete is much cooler than Valentine imo 😎
Dragobete is such a bad ass name for a god (or for a DJ)! We really do need to protect our own myths and pagan rituals that are all so closely tied to nature (aka science with a dash of magic). Valentine’s day is called Friendship day here in Finland, and I’m pretty sure we don’t have any pagan holiday that would actually tie to it, especially considering our spring is still faaaaar away 😂😅
I like Friendship day better somehow. I think for couples it's usually a showy pressure pot, and the other loves in our lives, aka the amigos, don't get nearly enough attention.
Also, hello there 🤩 such a nice surprise to see the notification. How have you been? 🤗
Nice to learn about the Romanian version of the February holiday. I like to learn about the stories of other cultures. There are always many similarities as we're all people who are basically the same psychologically and socially, but the details of the stories make them interesting and unique. Thanks for sharing this! :)