Traditional Sânziene Fair held at National Village Museum in Bucharest on June 24

A fair dedicated to the local midsummer celebration of Sânziene will be organized on June 24 at the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum in Bucharest.

"On the same day, between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Vatra Hărmanului Ensemble will be present on museum grounds and in the courtyard of the Drăguş household presenting Sânziene Customs. We invite you to cross our threshold and enter the world of the mysteries of this celebration," announced the museum representatives in a press release cited by Agerpres.

The agricultural ritual associated with the summer solstice is also known as Cap de vară, Drăgaică, Sânziene, and Amuţitul Cucului.

"It is an important celebration in the world of Romanian villages, combining the cult of the sun with Christian tradition, with symbols related to fertility, health, and love. It is the time to gather medicinal plants, to ensure luck for animals, the success of crops, and the fate of young girls. Rituals are performed to hasten marriage, ensure long life and fertility, as well as to ward off evil spirits, and honor the dead, the 'ancestors of Sânziene,' because it is believed that the heavens open and the worlds intertwine during this time," the press release further states.

The museum representatives also mention that during this time, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Birth of St. John the Baptist, and in Bucovina, the Bringing of the Relics of St. John the New from Suceava, making this day a holy one. Fairs and markets are held during this time.

Sânzienele have been mentioned since the 18th century by Dimitrie Cantemir in his work "Descriptio Moldaviae," while Mircea Eliade's "Noaptea de Sânziene" has been translated into numerous languages.

(Photo source: Muzeul-satului.ro)