May Day in Transylvania is the day dedicated to vegetation deity, protector of cattle, horses, corn fields under crop, vineyards and orchards. It is organized on April 23rd when Saint George is also celebrated. This custom is still maintained in localities Feldioara, Maierus, Bunesti, Daisoara and Fantana, and in some places the "May Day" is celebrated on the occasion of May 1st or on the occasion of Pentecost. For instance, "Beating May Day" was organized, a custom which was also part in a promotion project of customs and traditions in commune Feldioara, Brasov County, from European funds, celebrated on the occasion of Pentecost, the day when Christians say that Holy Spirit came down to Earth.
People protection
Tradition says that this day the pillars and the gates of the houses must be adorned with green birch branches, as well as all the entrances in cattle cots and in other appurtenances for people and animals protection when facing destroying forces of malefic spirits. According to the custom, people go out for picnics and they organize a real party. They eat broiled lamb and they drink red wine mixed with wormwood to make the blood change and with the purpose of protecting people and cattle from diseases.
When they return home, each one of them must wear lilac flowers and green wormseed: men with their hats and women in their blouses or in their pockets "to be protected from bad things and for good luck all year long".
Promotion of traditions
"We are permanently concerned about the promotion of customs and traditions. We also wish to add new types of dances in our repertoire which are specific to the folklore region and to preponderantly develop the authenticity of folklore in that area. I mean dances, but also customs and traditions. By celebrating such events, Romanian tourists remember those beautiful and unforgettable moments and tell some other people about our traditional costumes, songs and dances. So "May Day" is a good opportunity to promote the region, as well as the historical and touristic objectives", declared Sorin Taus, Mayor of commune Feldioara.
Folk show
On the occasion of May Day, folk shows are organized in most of the towns where this old custom is being celebrated. Famous folk ensembles from the country and from abroad participate in such shows. On this occasion, tourists may admire the parade of the costumes, dances and songs specific to this region and they can participate in gastronomic fairs with traditional products.
