The Ethnographic Museum of Harman
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Harman village, previously called Herman (Huntschprich in the Transylvanian Saxon dialect, Honigberg in German which means ?The Mountain of Honey?, Szászhermány in Hungarian and Mons Mellis in Latin) is a place located in Brasov County, Transylvania region, Romania, in Tara Barsei, around 10 km distance to the east from Brasov town. It is known especially for its impressive fortified church. This is the reason for which the village has been included in the tourist itinerary of Romania. Besides the Fortified Fortress, tourists can also visit the recently opened Ethnographic Museum, which offers a unique collection specific to this area.
Museal collection
?Creating local museal collections is a direction that certain towns follow to preserve their local traditions, their identity. Practically, it is not a real museum, but a certain type of monographic presentation, this being the only way to gather the quintessence of these heritage values in a small place. They represent aspects of the spiritual life, crafts, folk costumes and famous icons. This is good news for the preoccupations of the villagers who become aware of their values,? said Mrs. Ligia Fulga, Manager of the Ethnographic Museum of Brasov.
Big opening
The opening ceremony of the Ethnographic Museum has been celebrated with great pomp. The organisers succeeded in creating a link between the museum exhibitions and the continuation of traditions through preservation of customs, traditional folk costume, song, dance and joy. On this occasion, the group of children from the Middle School of Harman performed an exceptional folk show that proved to be a real parade of folk costumes. The public could admire both the folk costumes of young dancers and the traditional textiles, antique peasant clothing once worn by the locals, the tools used for making textiles, clay jugs, and biblical images.
A successful investment
?The Town Hall and the Local Board of Harman pay special attention to the continuation of traditions and to the preservation of historic and cultural heritage. Every year we allot important funds for the maintenance or rehabilitation of these objectives. The ethnographic museum is a new investment that turns a unique museal collection into account. Those who want to visit Harman can do it all along the year when exceptional cultural events are organized. Each year in February, before the Easter fast, the ?Pancakes Caravan? is organized, with masks and great pomp. This festival has already become famous and it attracts tourists from Romania and from abroad,? said Mr. Mihai Disor, Mayor of Harman village.
