Carrying the Past into the Future

Visitors recognise elements of the country and its atmosphere not as ‘European’ but as something entirely ‘Romanian.’ But what is it that makes it unique? Maybe it’s the gothic architecture which gives the buildings a fairytale element. Perhaps it is the dramatic scenery; the sweeping forests and craggy mountains to which civilisation clings. The traditional Romanian clothes, which are still worn by many people, enhance the country’s identity. As does the rich Romanian food; recipes for traditional meals, such as sarmale, have been passed down through generations. It is Romania’s heritage and its traditions that make it individual. Unlike other countries, who role out diluted versions of their past for special occasions, Romania’s traditions are still very much a part of the present. In rural areas the land is ploughed by oxen and horses, hay is stacked with no more modern machinery than a pitchfork. Food, such as cheese and bread is made by hand, and tastes all the better for it. Ancient crafts, like weaving, are still used today. These are not cute examples of traditions that are put on for tourists; it is real life, real people and real livelihoods. But can this way of life and Romania’s cultural identity continue to exist when faced with the formidable forces of modernisation and westernisation? The country, frozen in time somewhat by twenty years of communism, is hurtling head first into the twenty first century. This was cemented in 2007 when Romania joined the EU; which means a boost in the economy and benefits in other areas such as justice and tourism. Yet, with this progress there is the worry that the country will lose its identity and the rural areas will die out. The villages are already bleeding life; with little work prospects the young are leaving for the cities or to other countries. In contrast the cities are expanding; in the countryside outside of Brasov there are already many new houses in various stages of development. Of course it is naive to believe that the countryside will never be encroached upon, the expansion of cities is an inevitable fact. But at the moment there is still a clear line between city and countryside. What people don’t want to happen is for this line to blur and the countryside become an endless suburbia, devoid of the personality that gives Romania its identity. However, although the traditions and rural way of life are in danger they are not yet extinct. In my brief month in Romania I met many people passionate about keeping Romania’s heritage alive and, what’s more, making it part of the country’s future. ‘The Village’ magazine for one celebrates Romanian villages and promotes the beauty of both the people and the places. The Neuvirts, a married couple who sell their traditional sculptures and wall hangings from the Funarilor tower in Brasov, do too. And so do the young members of the ‘Cetatuia’ dance esemble from Teliu, near Brasov. Romania’s uniqueness is born from its heritage; with the traditions being carried forward by the youth to future generations the country’s heritage should never die out. Change is inevitable for any country in order to develop, but the only way for a country to embrace the future successfully is not to forget its past. by Victoria Richman