Hărman: “Magic guise, revealed by folk art”
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The Village Museum in Hărman, Brașov County has opened an exhibition where the where the folk costume was presented in a charming round dance of ecclesiastical flags. The exhibition entitled “Magic guise, revealed by folk art” took its inspiration from universe of the old times’ village, when magic was part of everyday life.
Artist Gabriel Stan explained: “Men have three magical circles in their lives. As a child, the circle of knowledge (the child asks, wants to know). Goodness is at the center of the circle. The circle of love then follows. Men need to fall in love, have children. Happiness is at the center of the circle. The 3rd circle is power. Health is at the center of power. The three circles are NOT mutually exclusive. This museum presents the folk costume in a magical round dance, on supports that are similar to ecclesiastical flags. That’s excellent!”.
Magic is not witchcraft!
The custodian of the Village Museum in Hărman, Mr. Adrian Micu said: “I’ve had the great chance of actually living in that world where magic was part of everyday life. Some are reluctant, afraid when they hear about magic, because they mistake it for witchcraft and black magic springs to their minds. It is our duty to set the record straight. There are explanatory notes for those who refuse to grasp beyond what they see. In addition to their usefulness, tools are expressive and magic has a practical application”.
The power of magic
The mayor of Hărman town, Mihai Dișor declared: “Our museum hosts a priceless heritage that speaks about our identity. The exhibits have a magical power, passed on across generations, they encapsulate energies that the viewer can actually sense, because they get to experience unique moments in the presence of the folk costume and perceive its universality. It is our duty to bring these undeniable testimonies to light”.
The folk costume, a moving temple
The exhibition was dedicated to painter Horia Bernea, former manager of the Romanian Peasant Museum and to professor Ioan Sorin Apan, ethnologist, folklorist, the one who spoke about the DNA of the Romanian blouse and said “The folk costume is a veritable moving temple”.
Ileana Gafton Dragoș
