Around the summer solstice, several localities of Brasov county celebrate customs linked to the summer beginning and prosperity: The May Day, The Bedstraws, The Milk Measurement, the Midsummer Day, The Mace, The Bread Festival and The Ox Adornment.
The Ox Procession
Those feasts are held at summer zenith and emphasize the summer wealth. The Ox Adornment tradition is generally kept in Transylvania, where the event is very reach. A beautiful ox is ornate outside the village. Than a procession accompanies the adorned ox on the village?s streets and enter every household, in a display symbolising wealth and welfare. The costume purpose was to relieve the growth of the animals in the peasant farm. The farmers used to adorn the horses manes and the horns, tails and hoofs of the cattle. In many villages, the custom also includes the ox immolation, to become a delicious spitted meal. In 1 Mai Colony of Vulcan commune, the event is completed by a traditional clothes parade, opened by the brass band.
Vegetation God
On May Day, the young boys adorn the gate?s house of the girls with green branches brought from of wood. The green branch symbolizes fertility and is kept at the gate until harvest. In the morning, the peasant wash with dew, being convinced that it brings health. The tradition says that the green branches at the gates mean good luck and prosperity; they also protect people against the evil spirits. May Day is dedicated to the old god of vegetation, who protects crops and animals.
