"The Chamber with Soft Light", in the Castle of Dracula
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In a holiday atmosphere, Romanian and foreign tourists had the chance to enjoy the holy light of Easter, in a specially arranged room which belonged to Queen Mary, in Bran Castle. The exhibition "The Chamber with Soft Light" was organized here, being dedicated to the celebration of Easter holidays. The interior of a rural room from Tara Fagarasului was reconstructed and photos depicting the village world with faces of peasants were displayed. Tourists could take part in an interactive egg-painting workshop.
Celebrating Easter in the Romanian village
"This year we have changed the theme and managed to offer the visitors the former aspect of an old traditional house where moments like cleaning and egg-painting during Easter time were represented. The number of the Romanian visitors has increased as compared to foreign people and we have succeeded to attract our citizens` attention. Usually, foreign people resonate better to this kind of events. The exhibition "The Chamber with Soft Light" was intended to re-open the taste for old customs and mark the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The photos managed to convey to tourists the significance of the Romanian village and to embody it as it used to be 100-200 years ago," said Mr. Alexandru Priscu, Manager of Bran Castle.
Respecting the tradition
The genuine national costume has been represented by folk craftswoman Doina Ghircoias, from Bucium village, Brasov County, who dressed in a rural costume woven on a loom, representing the region of Tara Fagarasului. Wishing to show them to the tourists, she brought items she had from her ancestors for the exhibition. Cloths, embroideries and items which were once used in the rural households were also present. On a whole, Doina managed to present a part of the old Easter customs. Nowadays, they are passed on by her son who weaves on a loom and by her daughter who makes embroidery.
The symbol, in the centre of attention
Mr. Ioan Prahoveanu, scientific researcher, together with Mr. Adrian Valusescu, Manager of the Department for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture Brasov, spoke about the symbolism of the Easter customs, of the red-coloured Easter Egg which symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ and pointed out the elements specific to regions Tara Barsei and Tara Fagarasului.
In Bran area, emphasis is put on the beginning of the Pastoral Year and elements such as the shepherd?s stick, the horn of the ram, the Easter knot-shaped bread and glass-painted icons symbolize the "Grieving Mary", the "Resurrection" and "Saint George".
