Romanian art, architecture and folk traditions are outstanding in Europe by their great originality and duration through centuries. The various customs and traditions emphasize the regional ethnographic specificities: mask games in Moldavia, handicrafts and folk dances in Oltenia, costumes worn on celebration days in Transylvania, woodworking art and culture in Maramures, pastoral civilization in the Apuseni Mountains. Their common artistic and human sensitiveness ensure the unity of these various artistic expressions.
A warm people, truly Latin, the Romanians eagerly give full expression to their natural liveliness and imagination, on the occasion of folk celebrations. The verse of folk songs, ever so often improvised, confirms the innate creative qualities of the Romanian. Both in creating and adorning his clothes, home and tools the Romanian shows, by his choice of forms and colours, a highly aesthetic sense. One of the most beautiful examples is the traditional hand made costume, worn with pride on important celebration days. Another one would be the painted Easter egg.
Be it religious celebrations or important events in the life of people, Romanians strongly express their devotion. His belief in the afterlife and tight links with nature make the Romanian peasant face death with serenity.
Practicing of religion goes beyond church and integrates in the day-to-day life.
The ancestral way of life denotes a sociable, hospitable behaviour, deeply rooted in the Romanian soul.
The traditional Romanian peasant house perfectly integrates with the Carpathians civilization of wood, wood that is used as main building and decoration material. The traditional Romanian architecture, represented by open verandas facing the yard, tall wooden gates, and interiors richly decorated with embroideries and fabrics, is proof of the hospitable attitude of Romanians.
A powerful symbol of Romanian traditional architecture, the tall gates, specific to Maramures, artfully sculptured in wood, resembling a triumph arch showing Romanian peasantΓÇÖs social pride, is one of the most original expressions of Romanian folk art.
