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Maramures region is a lovely part of Romania. People living here use to say: "If you didn't see
Rodnei Mountains, you lived for nothing on this land". In these simple words, it is so much
pride and so much admiration for the natural environment that God blessed them. The explanation
for this pride began long time ago...
Even nowadays, since the moment of born, mothers sing to their babies old songs and teach
them the deep respect for ancestors. Traditions are kept alive generation after generation. It is
common that children of Maramures listen to a beautiful legend which is saying about
Pintea The Brave (Pintea Viteazul). This popular hero is a symbol for fighting against
intruders of any kind. Pintea was trained to be a soldier in the Austrian army, he spoke three
foreign languages, and he proved his courage in battle. However, it came a time when he
understood that his Maramures people were much oppressed and their sorrows reached the
highest limit that could be endured on Earth. Their tears changed Pintea's heart so he quit the
army and became an outlaw together with other seven young men. The wild woods were their
home. That small troop used to appear from nowhere and released from prison those men who
could not pay the official taxes in time. Other times, early in the morning Pintea and his
companions attacked rich people inside their own houses and took money from them. After a
short time, that money was donated to help the poor ones who had lost their houses, cattle and
any hope of surviving. Little by little, those brave actions became well known in the whole
Maramures and songs were created to praise Pintea and his troop. You must know that more
than 350 years ago, Pintea helped Prince Francisc Rackoczi to win great victories. Places as
Brad, Beclean, Dej, Alba Iulia, Medias, Sighisoara, Gherla and Simleul Silvaniei were released
under the Austrian domination. All over Maramures people considered Pintea to be their unique
hope and rescuer. His companions had completely trust in his decisions and even believed he
was charmed at birth because bullets or swords had no power upon him. Finally, treason killed
Pintea at the gates of Baia Mare. His head was hung at the entrance of this city but Pintea's
body was stolen by his faithful people and buried in a secret place, which remained unknown
since then. His memory was never forgotten despite the fact that unfair slavery lasted more than
200 years after his death. Maramures people still remember Pintea's courage. Nowadays, during
the long winter nights, the oldest ones bring near the fire little children and tell them legends and
stories for a continuous remembering of their ancestors. Roots are very important for all
Romanians.
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Traveling all over Maramures you will meet children with big eyes and smiling faces. People
believe that raising their sons and daughters with love, the effect will be seen in the future when
these tiny "plants" will show more resistance to the troubles of life. Nothing here has
greater priority than the paternal care. Childhood is a very important phase because at little ages
people learn the main Christian and behaviour rules, they learn old carols and customs, are
being taught to take care of domestic or wild animals, to respect nature and to open their hearts
to beauty. Usually they follow the example offered by their parents, relatives and by the
community around them. These links among people are very strong in Maramures village.
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You must know that teenagers are used to do hard work since childhood. Men go to work in
golden or silver mines, others become carpenters and create famous wooden gates or
household objects, and other men choose to live as woodsmen. It their moments of silence
and rest, far away from their families, old songs come in their mind and they usually sing.
Speaking about this great love for music, historians found something interesting when they
searched old documents: rich people of the village used to hire daily workers to harvest crops.
In the same time, they hired special people named "ceterasi" after their musical
instruments called "cetera" by which they used to play merry songs. Why? Those
musicians would keep workers company during all the day, bringing much joy and an
optimistic feeling in their souls. It was shown that the rhythm of working was greatly improved
that way. This method seems to be unique in Romania!
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It is also interesting the custom kept in Maramures villages: young girls sew their future
husbands' shirts after they decided to marry with them. The traditional carpets, towels or
ancient folk costumes inherited from generation to generation inspires women. However, the
most creative girls look in the nature and make beautiful embroideries with flowers, trees,
or stylized animals. Men wear during holidays special hats called "clop" decorated
with peacock feathers and colored glass millets. Each young man is very proud and
handsome by wearing his white clothes and hat. His clothes show the love his wife or fiancée
has for him. Do you know that for sewing a folk shirt there are needed more than 100,000
needle points and several months of working? Think of this detail next time when you will see
a Romanian woman or man wearing her/his folk costume.
If you have the possibility to travel to Maramures during summer, don't forget to take your
camera. Sunday is a great opportunity to admire these traditional costumes, hear the old
songs and legends, and meet the warm and friendly Romanian soul...
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I wanted to express the hidden beauty of people who live in the Northern part of
Romania with the help of my pictures, especially children who are the real future of this
land!
I invite you to pay a visit to them and enjoy their sincere hospitality.
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