Culture Corner
Romania is a wonderful eastern European country known for its folklore-steeped mountains, medieval castles, and religious traditions and architecture that I'm excited to share with you! Each month I'll post about a tradition, a place, or a food that makes Romania unique, so be sure to keep checking back here!
SARMIZEGETUSA REGI
"This archeological site is Romania's version of Stonehenge, the remains of ancient Dacia's capital during the first centuries B.C. and A.D. The city was built under the rule of King Decebalus, then was conquered by the Romans at the beginning of the second century A.D. (along with the rest of the Dacian kingdom)."
CIGHIRI
"Cighiri are something similar to huge meatballs, but besides ground pork, the recipe also includes the meat of several organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs. All of these are then combined with onions, eggs, bay leaves, garlic, and plenty of salt and pepper. The mixture is then wrapped in a hog stomach and fried."
Christmas Caroling
There are designated groups that can go out to visit neighbors, each representing a different part of Christmas. The children usually represent the star and will carry a highly decorated one on a long stick, and can expect a reward like fruit, nuts, or pretzels.
Cozonac
A Romanian sweet bread that can include raisins, walnuts, and sometimes zest from an orange or lemon. Usually served around Christmas or Easter.
Easter Eggs
Romanian Easter traditions include painting eggs in very intricate designs. They will also have egg "knocking" or tapping competitions to predict who will enjoy the longest life.
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Drob de Miel
A common meatloaf served at Easter. It has a mixture of ground lamb, bread dipped in milk, chopped herbs, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables, all wrapped in lamb caul fat.
Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle, also know as Hunyadi Castle, is one of the most beautiful castles in Romania. Its construction began in 1440, and it was designed as a defense fortress against the Ottoman Empire, as well as a prison.
Sarmale
Sarmale is considered the most well know Romanian dish. It is sour cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork, rice, and sometimes mixed vegetables.
Saint Paraskeva Day
On October 14th, the Romanian Orthodox church celebrates Saint Paraskeva. This marks the beginning of preparation for wintering flocks and on this day fairs take place in order to turn sheep products to profit.
Beef Tripe Soup
Beef Tripe Soup is made from the stomach of a cow, vegetables, and special bones, flavored with lots of garlic and soured with vinegar. Hot chili peppers go with it very well.
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Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is the seat of government for Romania located in the capital, Bucharest. It was ordered by communist president Nicolae Ceausecu and is now the second largest building in the world, under the Pentagon.
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Jumari
Pork cracklings made by frying pieces of pork belly or rinds with fat and meat attached to them, usually seasoned with salt or paprika and served as an appetizer.
Salina Turda
An old salt mine first used in the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, then used as a bomb shelter during WW2, and now serves as an amusement park with bowling, a ferris wheel, underground lake boating, and use of the former transport elevators.
Salada de Boeuf
Salada de boeuf consists of boiled beef, diced carrots, potatoes, and pickles, all mixed together with mayo and sometimes other herbs.
Sculpture of Decebalus
The rock sculpture of Decebalus is a carving of the last king of Dacia who fought against the Roman empire. This is Europe's tallest rock sculpture, and it took over 10 years to carve out using dynamite and pneumatic hammers. It is located along the Danube River.
Mămăliga
A corn flour dish that can be made both soft, similar to porridge, and served with various toppings; or more sturdy, like cornbread, served with soup.
Castelul Peleș
Castelul Peleș, built from 1873-1883, was commissioned by the first king of Romania, Carol 1, along with estate land to be his royal hunting preserve and a summer retreat. It usually falls within a list of the top castles to visit in Europe.
Mici
Mici are caseless sausages made of different combinations of ground meat, black pepper, and other spices; and are the most popular Romanian grill dish.