Who is Dragobete?

Dragobete is thought to have been a very

handsome god, who enjoyed love very much.

He used to perform the wedding ceremony of all

animals and birds, in the beginning of spring. In

time, the tradition extended to humans, too.

He is also a god of good mood and

humour, which explains the parties organised

on the 24th of February.

Dragobete Day

the Romanian equivalent of Valentine's Day celebration

feast of love, celebrated on February 24th

It marks the archaic early spring day when nature wakes up, bears get out of the den, birdssearch for nests, and everyone enjoys nature.

Dragobete Day traditions

What were the Dragobete Day traditions?

Romanian popular belief has it that those who attend ceremonies on Dragobete Day would be spared of diseases all year.

In the morning, wearing their best clothes, young people met in the village center or in front of the church. If the weather was favorable, they went singing in the woods or meadows, looking for snowdrops and other miraculous plants (used for love spells). If there was bad weather, they gathered in one of their homes, playing games and telling stories.

It was a good day for engagements. It is believed that those who got engaged on Dragobete Day were sure to have a wedding the next year

Some girls used to melt snow and kept the water because they believed in its magical properties, especially for cosmetic purposes.

It was also a belief that unmarried young persons who did not attend a Dragobete party or those who did not see a person of the opposite sex on the 24th of February would remain single for the rest of the year.

Since Valentine’s Day became a global celebration of

love, people in Romania enjoy romance twice in February

– first on the 14th and then on the 24th

Modern traditions for Dragobete are similar to those for

Valentine’s :

- offering roses and candies to the one you love

- writing cards with love messages

- going to parties

- getting engaged

- getting married for a day