On the 24th of February, Romanians mark Dragobete, a day dedicated to couples in love, but also to the optimistic promise of upcoming spring and longer days.
Indeed, skies have been sunny, despite the cold.
Dragobete is not celebrated commercially in the way that that Valentine’s Day is, but is rather honored as a folkloric tradition from times past.
Few people know that the day’s name is a reference to a Dacian god, who is said to be the protector of love and fertility.
He is a a kindly god and the son of Baba Dokia, whose narrative follows the end of winter and the coming of spring. Like Sleeping Beauty, he was visited by good fairies at his birth and was blessed with love and song. Even his name, in an ancient language, would mean something along the lines of “Fair Face”.
Others, more cautious, say that he has a capricious nature, like Spring itself, and you should respect traditions on his name-day in order to avoid love passing you over. It’s easy enough, though: just kiss somebody. Or wear a nice outfit and go flower-picking.
The day is simultaneously known as the Birds’ Betrothal.
Birds that fail in mating are said to have another chance come next Dragobete.
Dragobetele – ziua constituirii perechilor, atât pentru păsări, cât şi pentru oameni
